



4 O 






^\/\ '--r^^v ,.^^'\ '•^•- /% --W-'/ 
' ^:^rv; %/ -^^(^^^ Vo^' o:^r^ %/ ;^ 









y ..■■.•... 







a5 0^ 


















c ° " ■» ^3 AT 



o > 



\..^^ : %,^^ /^.^V^;. \^^^^ /^lfe\ ^^ 


















^ ^^ /^^Sll<' ^... ^^ /JF. 









■^o'^ 




^-^^ 





S/^^-v^:^^^ 



.^. 



LUDL017: 

A Century and a Centennial, 



COMI'KISING A 



SKETCH OF THE HISTORY 



TOWN OF LUDLOW, 



HAMPDEN COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS, 



TOGETHER WITH AN ACCOUXT OF THE CELEBRATION BY THE TOWN 



CE]^TE]:^]^IAL Al^^I^IYEESARY, 



June 17th, 1874. 



COMPILED BT 



ALFRED NOON. A. M., 

A I'ASTOR IN TOE TOWX. 



PRINTED BY VOTE OF THE TOWN. 




SPRINGFIELD, MASS. : 

CLARK W. BUY AN AND COMPANY, PRINTERS. 

1875. 



/ 



^or l^ns Bail^ l^e ^orb t^at crrattb Ibe ^fafatns ; (Sob ^imstlf t^at formib ibe eatt^ anb 
mabc it; ^t butb cstablislub it, ^e trtattb it not in bain, be formcb it to be inbabitcb : ^ 
am tlje JTorb; anb l^ere is none else. 

^ Ijabe not spohcn in secret, in a bark j^lacc of tlje cartlj ; ,]( salb not unto the sceb of 
^;uob, Seek gc mc in bain: | ti^c iforb speak rigbteouBness, | bcclart things t^at art rigbt. 



COMMITTEE O:^ THE CEIsrTE]^]^IAL. 



AMBROSE CLOUGH, 

JOHN PADELFORD HUBBARD, 
GEORGE ROOT CLARK, 

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN BURR, 

CHESTER LEMUEL CUSHMAN, 
ALFRED NOON, 

FRANCIS FISK McLEAN. 



SUB-COMMITTEE OF PUBLIC ATI OJN". 



AMBROSE CLOUGH, BENJAMIN F. BURR, 

GEORGE R. CLARK, ALFRED NOON. 



PREFACE. 



The day of appreciation of a work like this is never at the time 
when it is issned. The labor of research and compilation must be in a 
measure a labor of love. 

The apparent unimportance of our contribution to the public may, 
after all, exist only in appearance. Few prominent public men claim 
Ludlow as their birthplace, nor does the town seek, like seven cities 
of old, to rest her fame on the reputation of some ungrateful son. 
This is but a quiet little neighborhood, occupying a humble position 
in the grand old Commonwealth. 

But while the town has been unsung by bard, or unwritten by an- 
nalist, or unknown to the greater events of busy humanity, she may, 
from these very reasons, argue an individuality which is worthy of 
note. Her life is not merely memoir or public histor}^, but is unique 
in possessing few of those features which so largely enter into the pic- 
ture of towns farther famed. 

If New England has done aught for humanity, her accomplishments 
have had tlieir inception in her homes, among her own sons and 
daughters. Her power found its origin at her firesides. The world 
must know that New England has had a life by itself. The student 
of that life, in all its characteristics, discovers an indiviihiality and 
seeks to trace its causes. In such towns as Ludlow, tliey may be dis- 
covered easily. Tlie glare of popular feats and popular men removed, 
we are permitted to look upon a specimen of pure, unadulterated New 
England life. 

As the reader examines our folk-lore, then, we take pleasure in in- 
troducing him to the true New England home. These hardy j-eomen, 
these toiling matrons, who liave quarried and polished the heartli-stoues 



VI niEFACE. 

of a century, liave l)Oon good fatlicrs ami iiiotliers, and liave been per- 
niitte<l to .see successive generations of noble sons and daughters grow 
up around them, to call them and their institutions blessed. The fore- 
fathers sleep their last long slumber, but if you would see their handi- 
work, look not only at the broad acres and spacious barns, but also peer 
into tlie faces of their descendants, and read of the excellencies and wis- 
dom of their sires. 

We lift the veil of a century. If tlie fresco behind show in places 
the marks of age, need we wonder? If here and there a tint is so 
faded as to be indistinct, a stripe once distinct and beautiful may seem 
to have lost the uniformity at first given to its breadth, or the beauty 
of its curvature, charge the defacement to the account of Old Time 
itself. A magnificent work by one of the old masters has been lost by 
an attempt to renovate it; we give you our little picture as nature 
hands it to us. 

The materials composing this volume have been, in the main, res- 
cued from memories which soon must fade away. In the absence of 
fulsome annals, the incidents have been obtained by conversation with 
octogenarians, and even nonagenarians at their firesides, and those of 
their neighbors. Grandsires hastening to the grave have been ar- 
rested in their faltering steps, and grand-dames disturbed in their 
meditations, that tliey might tune afresh the harps of earl}'- days 
for the eager ears of generations come and coming. Yellowed old 
deeds, lichen-painted tombstones, silent cellar holes and well-nigh for- 
gotten boundary lines have been tributary to the work. 

To all who have so kindly aided in giving desired information, we 
would extend hearty thanks. To the assiduous and pains-taking 
chairman of the Committee of Publication, and his co-laborers in 
gathering the materials so profusely furnished the Compiler, the town 
is under particular obligation. The beauty of these pages, and tasty 
appearance of the volume themselves, speak for the i)ublishers. The 
thanks of the town is more than due to them who have so cheer- 
fully furnished those portraits of themselves or their friends, with 
which the volume is enilx'llished. The Centennial Exercises will 
be read again with delight, and re-read by successive audiences, 
who shall by their interest give the meed of praise to those who 



TREFACE. Vll 

remlored that eventful celebration a feast of reason as well as a glad 
reunion. 

More than a word is due to the historian of that day. Other towns 
may glory over the prowess of t^eir corporate ancestors, but it will be 
discovered that our historian regaled his apjireciative auditors with 
choicest tidbits from the town's own life. The pens of other ready 
writers may have improved such occasions in tracing excellent homilies 
on grand themes ; the gentlemen, to whom reference is made here, 
found in the word " Ludlow " an inspiration all-sufficient for his task. 

The compiler of the history, as sensible of his own incapacity, per- 
haps, as the sharpest critic, asks the indulgence of those most inter- 
ested, wishing to them and their successors on the domain of Ludlow, 
the fondest blessings which can come from enterprise and thrift, and 
good homes, and good hearts. 

Ludlow Center, 1875. 



CONTENTS. 



INTRODUCTORY, 

Joel Chapin, 
Aaron J. Miller, 
John Jennings, 
Theodore Sikes. 
Chester W. Chapin, 
Gordon M. Fisk, 
S. B. Stebbins, 
Edwin Booth, 
Dexter Damon, 
Simeon Miller, 
PLAN OF HISTORY, 



I. AKTE-LUDLOW, 

Who constitute a town — The red man — Indian names — Uelics 
of a departed race — An ancient armory — Legend of camp- 
lires — Of the Leap — Of the alleged Facing Hills murder — 
The tenure of soil — Springfield of old — Governor Andros — 
A Yankee trick — The Commons — Sections of commons — 
Line of commons — Allotments — The river — Early settler — 
The tar business — Joseph Miller — Others — A wooing — 
Glimpse at the region — Church service — Proposition for dis- 
trict — Will they get an organiisation ? .... 

II. LUDLOW IK THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 

Governor Hutchinson — Trouble — Districts and their functions 
— Answer to petition — The charter — First district meeting 
— The settlers gathering — Original office-holders — Origin of 
the name — Geographical theory— The other Ludlovvs — Ed- 
mund Ludlow — Roger Ludlow — Remoteness of all these 
sources — Exchange of names with Wilbraham — West line — 
A church needed — Former ecclesiastical relations — Rev. 



PAGE. 

xiii 

xiii 

xiii 

xiii 

xiv 

xiv 

xviii 

xviii 

xviii 

xviii 

xviii 

xix 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE. 



IVletiah Cliapin — Finding the center — The revolution — 
Tlie record — Incidents and notes — Rev. Messrs. Davenport, 
Hutcliinson, Haskell, Fuller, Pratt, Stone, Snell, and Wood- 
ward — Success at last — Stephen Burroughs — Call to Mr. 
Steward — Acceptance — Sketch of Rev. Antipas Steward — A 
slice from one of his sermons — Erection of church — Im- 
provements on the edifice — Former chapels — Congregation- 
alists — Mr, Steward receives a hint — Baptists — Methodism — 
Drowning of Paine and Olds — Shays — The Paine child — Sor- 
row in the Miller family — Cemeteries — Schools — Districts — 
School-houses — Representatives — Pounds — Warning out — 
Highways — Bridges — Progress of the period, ... 12 

III. ECCLESIASTICAL ERA— THE ESTABLISHMENT 
OF THE CHURCHES. 

Source of civil institutions — Religion in the town in 1800 — 
The controversy — A summary' proceeding — Suggestive epistle 
— Exit Mr. Steward — Thurber— Phelps — Union efforts — 
Hedding — His ministry — His sacrifice — A new comer — 
Fast-day services — Alexander McLean — Difficulty — Moody 
— Johns — E. B. Wright — Sketch — Acceptance of call — Min- 
istry — Methodism in 1802 — Itinerants — A class — How it 
djed — Later efforts — Dr. Fisk — Isaac Jennison — Church 
huilt — Repairs on old church — The store — Cemeteries — The 
first hearse — Improvements — A dastardly proposition — War 
of 1812 — Muster at Hadley — The Horse Compan}^ — The 
men of 1812 — Desertions — Almost an execution — A 
souvenir — Schools — Districts — Musical — Log-cabins — Polit- 
ical — Post-office — Wages — Potato crops — A scare — Another 
scare — Frost's corn — David Paine's death — The Annibal ex- 
citement — Theories concerning it — A sequel — *' Nick and 
Tarzy " — Town bounds — Public lands — Roads — Bridges — 
Succession of bridges at Wallamanumps — Put's bridge — 
Cooley bri<lge — The camels — The present Put's bridge — 
Calkins' manufactures — Other enterprises — A still — Glass 
works — Wallamanumps privilege — Putnam's scythes — The 
Jenckes's — The Springfield Manufacturing Co. — Develop- 
ment of the village, ......,, 40 

IV. THE ZENITH OF THE CENTURY. 
Changes incident to manufacturing — Source of Ludlow's great- 
er prosperity — New life — A market — Another mill — Jeuks- 



CO^s^TENTS. XI 

PAGE. 

ville in 1837 — Upper privilege — Inventions — Tlie people at 
tlie factories — Their morals — Sabbath desecration — The 
only remedy — Itinerants and labors — The revival — Its effects 
—Place of worship— The M. E. Church— Trouble— Aid— A 
great revival — Incidents — Other revivals — Millerism — The 
Congregationalists — Mr. Wright — A colleague — Rev. Mr. 
Austin — Dismission of Mr. Wright — The first parish — The 
fund — A lawsuit — Mr. Wright called again — Rev. Mr. 
Sanderson — The church of 1841 — Disposition of the old edi- 
fice — Rev. Mr. Tuck — The new cemetery — Highways and 
bridges — Red bridge — Necrology — "Dr. Foggus " — "Fri- 
day" — Incidents — Mexican war — A weather note — Mills 
— Indian Orchard — Jenksville church edifices — Congrega- 
tional Church there — The Company — Confidence of the peo- 
ple — The crash — Immediate effects, . .... 66 

Y. THE LUDLOW OF TO-DAY. 

Toward the end — Congregational Church — Mr. Tuck — The fire 
— Rebuilding — Dedication — Rev. Mr. Mayo — Rev. Chester 
Bridgman— Rev. C. L. Cushman— Rev. S. Y. McDuffee— 
Methodist Church — Re-modeling — Rev. F. Fisk — Revival 
scenes — War record of society — Rev. D. K. Banister — Wes- 
leyan Praying Band — Relations of societies — Jenksville — 
Manufacturing interests — Present Company — A good chance 
— Methodism — Sale of a church — Rev. W. H. Daniels — 
Union Church — Roads and bridges — Railroads — A fine op- 
portunity lost — Items — The Miller "boys" — Incidents — 
The Rebellion — Enlistments — The Monument — Mr. Banis- 
ter's Address — War scenes — Names of Soldiers — Spring- 
field Aqueduct — Prominent men — Incentives to effort — 
Conclusion, ......... 80 

THE CENTENNIAL. 
Prospective, 95 

Actual, 107 

Address of Welcome, ....... 108 

Responsive Address, ....... 112 

Historical Address, 124 

Toasts, 145 

Letters, ......... 152 

Afteiip.\^t, 155 



xu 



CONTENTS. 



APPENDIX 

A, Indians, 

Bi Commons proprietors, 
C. Ludlow, England, 
I), Paine and Wright, 

E. Church Letter, 

F. Old Letter, 

G. Gad Lyon's " Keflections,' 
H. Tax-bill. 

I. The Militia, . 

J. Oakley Ballad, 

K. Congregationalist Ministers, 

Lf Methodist ]Ministers, 

M. Jenksville Ministers, 

N. Deacons, 

0. Parish Clerks, 

P. ]\Ioderators, 

Q. Town Clerks, . 

R. Selectmen, 

S. Assessors, 

T. Representatives, 

U. School Committees, 

V. Graduates, 
W. Physicians, 

X. Postmasters, 

Y. Present Town Officers, 

Z. Peats of Strength, 
A A. Epitaphs, 
BB. Genealogies, 
CC. Captain Hubbard, 
DD. Andersonville, 



PAGE. 

159 
161 
163 
164 
166 
166 
167 
168 
169 
169 
171 
171 
173 
172 
172 
173 
173 
174 
175 
176 
176 
177 
177 
177 
178 
178 
179 
184 
193 
194 



INTRODUCTORY. 



As we stand at the vestibule of the little edifice whose pro- 
portions and embellishments we propose to exhibit to the inter- 
ested reader, it may be well to point out a portrait or two of 
the more renowned sons of the town, whose names and memo- 
ries, impressed upon our minds, will render the apartments of 
our little cottage still more interesting to the looker-on. As said 
of another, known to fame, — 

" Fairer seems the ancient township, 

And the sunliglit seems more fair, 
That they once have trod its pathways, 

That they once have breathed its air." 

Rev. Joel Chapin was born in Ludlow very early in the 
history of the settlement, served in the Revolutionary war, and 
afterward went through a collegiate course at Dartmouth College. 

Dr. Aaron John Miller was well known in all the earlier 
history of the town as the family physician. He is said to have 
been one of the original Boston tea-party, and went as surgeon 
to the Revolution. So extended a sketch of his life occurs in 
the genealogies that it is unnecessary to speak further of him 
here than to call attention to the portrait facing page 176, which 
two of his grandsons have kindly furnished for the history of 
his town. 

John Jennings, Esq., was widely known in his day as the 
lawyer of the town. He is said to have lived at one time near 
the present home of Ezekiel Fuller, where he had a sort of 
office. It became his duty to make out many a deed of the 
lands of tliis region, and sign many an important document. 
His usefulness extended along many years, and found fields for 
display in larger circles than those of home. 



XIV INTRODUCTORY. 

To Theodore Sikes, yet lingering on the verge of time, 
belongs the distinction of representing the town oftenest in the 
political assemblies of the State. A hearty and honorable citi- 
zen, he retains in his old age the respect and love of hi:i fellow- 
townsmen, 

Hon. Chester "W. Chapix, an elegant portrait of whom 
appropriately oj)ens our volume of sketches, is perhaps the best 
and widest known to the world at large of an}' of the sons of 
this good old town. Mr. Cliapin was born in the " Torrey 
house," in the west part of Ludlow, December 16th, 1798. He 
is a direct lineal descendant, in the sixth generation, from Dea. 
Samuel Chapin, the founder of the family in this country. His 
grandfather, Ejihraim Chapin, was one of the largest land own- 
ers of his day in this section, his estate covering lands in Chic- 
opee, Ludlow and Springfield. His father (also Ephraim by 
name) occupied a portion of the old Chapin estates, Avhich at 
the time of his death had not been divided. Though rich in 
lands these early settlers were otherwise possessed of small 
means, and cultivated habits of the strictest economy. Yet 
these were days of families inversely proportionate to the ready 
means of the householder, Chester being the youngest of a 
family of seven children. In such circumstances are often 
formed the beginnings of the amplest fortunes and that strength 
of character which gives the widest influence. 

Alread}', then, had there been instilled into the mind of the 
boy those lessons which have served him so well, when at a ten- 
der age his fatlier died and left the family, then at Chicopee 
street, to manage for themselves. His older brother, Ephrtiim, 
having been sent to college, the duty of remaining at home to 
care for tlie interests of his mother and her farm devolved 
upon Chester. Wliile so doing he attended the district school 
at Chicopee which ranked high as a school of its kind in those 
days, and was afterward sent to the Academy at Westfield, 
from 'which he entered upon the active pursuits of life. As 
was often the case at such schools, the culture acquired, how- 
ever valuable, was of no more use in after life than the ac- 
quaintances formed in the circles with which he became intimate. 
At twenty-one he went to Springfield, and first found employ- 
ment at tlie bar of the old "Williams House, kept then by his 



HON. CHESTER W. CHAPIN. XV 

brother Erastus. Not relishing" the business he was next found 
keeping a store of his own at Chicopee street. Just across the 
way was another store kept by the late Stephen C. Bemis, and 
the two soon formed a copartnership which continued several 
months. At this time Mr. Chapin was married to a daughter of 
Col. Abel Chapin of Chicopee. lie was next found at work 
upon the construction at Chicopee of the first mill ever built 
in this county where paper was made by machinery. He took 
the contract for the foundation and masonry of this factory for 
the Ames's, and did the work in so satisfactory a manner that 
when a few years later tlie mill was burned, they urged him to 
undertake a renewal of the job ; but other engagements then 
intervened to prevent him from complying. A change in busi- 
ness then occurred which turned the attention of the 5'oung 
man in the direction of his real life's work. At the solicita- 
tion of Jacob W. Brewster of Hartford, he was induced to 
take an interest in the extensive stage lines in the Connecti- 
cut Valle}". Here he first made the acquaintance of his life- 
long friend, the late Major Morgan of Palmer, who was engaged 
in the stage line running east and west from Springfield. Occa- 
sionally holding the reins on the Hartford and Brattleboro 
line, j\[r. Chapin was soon found to be more needed in devel- 
oping the general interests of the route, which so prospered 
under his management as to yield him large returns on his 
investment. 

Soon after the demonstration had been satisfactorily made by 
Thomas Blanchard that steamboats could journey from Hartford 
to Springfield, Mr. Chapin grasped the idea and utilized it. He 
bought out Blanchard soon after 1830, and for a dozen years 
controlled the passenger traffic between the two places. Ever 
since he has maintained his business relations with boating lines, 
until he now controls largely the New York and New Haven 
lines of steamboats. Two of his vessels were in government 
employ during tlie war of the rebellion. 

Meanwhile, having, largely b}^ his personal efforts secured a 
connection between Springfield and Hartford bj- rail, he became 
a director in the corporations, and took active interest in its 
management. Extensive postal contracts having been taken by 
him on the route from Terre Haute to St. Louis, he sent the 



XVI INTRODUCTORY. 

stac^es there, and used tlie rail as the means of transporting 
mails under his charge from Hartford to Stanstead. 

In 1«.50 Mr. Chapin became a director of the Western Rail- 
road, but resigned the position to accept the presidency of the 
Connecticut River Railroad in the same year. In 1854. having 
attracted attention by successful management of that road he 
■was elected president of the Western road, and accepted. In 
two years fifty miles of rails had been renewed, the bridge over 
the Connecticut River rebuilt, twelve lirst-class locomotives, 
one hundred and forty-five freight cars and six passenger 
coaches had l)een added to the rolling stock of the road. The 
interests of the Company called him to England in 1855, where 
he was successful in negotiating a loan of half a million of dol- 
lars, for further improvements. Very soon the road began to 
pay handsome dividends, a practice so long continued that it 
has become a habit. The Albany bridges, the new iron bridge 
at Springfield, the continuous double track, and more particu- 
hirly the grand consolidation of the Western and Boston and 
Worcester roads into the Boston & Albany, with magnificent 
tide-water facilities and the huge elevator at Boston and the 
grand depot luider way at Worcester, have been enterprises 
owing a large share of tlicir success to the shrewd management 
of Chester W. Chapin. 

At various times during his presidency of the Western road, 
he has been solicited to take the management of other large 
railroad interests, but has ahvaj's refused. In business relations 
elsewhere, we find Mr. Chapin mentioned as a stockholder and 
director in the Hudson River and New York Central Railroads, 
as a prominent manager and owner of the Collins' Paper Com- 
])any's property and business at Wilbraham, and of the Aga- 
Avam Canal Company at West Springfield, and as president of 
the Chapin Banking and Trust Company of Springfield, (having 
been formerly founder and president of the Agawam Bank of 
the same ])lace.) He lias at the recent election been honored 
M ith a seat in tlie national House of Representatives, a fitting 
teslimonial from an a})preciative public — a testimonial, more- 
over, in which his little native town claims the privilege of 
giving a modest share. 

Tlie honor thus conferred, coming in the way it seems to have 



HON. GORDON M. FISK. XVU 

done, precludes the necessity of extended eulogistic remarks 
concerning Mr. Chapin's personal excellencies. Kind and oblig- 
ing, of unblemished reputation, cool and decided but consider- 
ate, one whose "promise is as good as his bond,'' his native 
town rejoices to hold him up as an exemplar for her young peo- 
ple. Mr. Chapin's presence at the Centennial was highly 
appreciated. 

" While Mr. Chapin is naturally and by instinct a prudent and 
somewhat conservative man, a careful observer of his career 
will find that he has always been among the foremost to em- 
brace every improvement in the onward march of civilization. 
At first a stage owner, he was quick to see and utilize the appli- 
cation of steam, first upon the waters of the Connecticut and 
then upon its banks. Instead of resisting the march of events 
as bringing into the field an element of rivalry and perhaps 
destruction to his interests in old methods, he was the foremost 
to contribute his capital and practical experience to the devel- 
opment of each new and improved project in the direction of 
cheap and rapid transportation." 

The other son of Ludlow who has, perhaps, acquired promi- 
nence next to that of Mr. Chapin, is Hon. Gordon M. Fisk, 
the veteran editor of the Pahner Journal. He was born at 
Ludlow, May 9th, 1825, being also one of seven sons. His 
father, William H. Fisk, lived at the " City," the northwest 
district of the town. He was named after a son of Dr. Aaron 
John Miller, who accompanied the name with a gift of th'ee 
sheep. The family was large, the mother an invalid, the income 
small, and so here again was an opportunity for building up a 
first-class man. The district school and family fireside afforded 
the only means for educating the children. A studious boy, 
Gordon early mastered all the books within reach, even to Dr. 
Johnson's dictionary and the Westminster catechism. 

At the age of twenty-one he found an opportunity to gratify 
the longings of years, and purchased a printing press of one 
John Howe, of Enfield, who had used it in the publication of 
anti-orthodox pamphlets. It was a rude establishment, with 
ancient Ramage press, and ink balls instead of composition 
rollers. Having mastered the business by assiduous labor by 
nights, he established the " Village Gazette," in Ware, in June- 



XVlll INTRODUCTORY. 

1847. He sold out in December, 1848, and moved to Palmer, 
where ou the first of January he opened a printing office. In 
the fall he undertook, with another, to establish the " Holyoke 
Times," but abandoned the project, and issued the first number 
of the '• Palmer Journal" April 6, 1850, whose publication he 
has continued ever since, also sending out the " Ware Standard" 
for nineteen years. 

His official record covers a period of over twenty years. In 
1860-1 lie served as State Senator, attending an extra session each 
year, and serving on a special commission to sit in the recess, for 
three years, for the purpose of surveying a ship-canal from Barn- 
stable Bay to Buzzard's Bay. Was Deputy United States Col- 
lector 1862-8, and Inspector of the State alms-house and Primary 
school at Monson 1857-74, and since 1866 has been connected 
with the visiting agency of the Board of State Charities. 

Mr. Fisk possesses a pleasant local reputation as a poet, and 
several of his sketches are to be found in this volume. 

Hon. S. Bliss Stebbins was for a while postmaster at Jenks- 
ville, and since has been on each board of the Boston city gov- 
ernment. 

Hon. Edwin Booth also commenced his business career at 
Jenksville, as clerk of the Springfield Manufacturing Company. 
He was long in the employ of the government, and now resides 
at Philadelphia. 

Hon. Dexter Damon, of Willoughby, Ohio, has been a 
member of the Legislature and a trial justice. 

Rev. Simeon Miller, now of Springfield, is a graduate of 
Amherst College, and has labored at Holyoke and South Deer- 
field statedly, supplying often in the desk of the Congregation- 
alist Church in his native town. 



PLAN OF THE WORK. 



It will be convenient in these annals, to divide the space 
of time covered thereby into five periods, and group the 
facts in divisions accordingly. These divisions are as fol- 
lows: 

I. Ante-LudloAv, a description of the region before it 
received a corporate existence ; Ludlow before it was Lud- 
low. This period will close with the date of incorpora- 
tion, 1774. 

IL Ludlow in the eighteenth century, comprising the 
incorporation, the revolution, the building of the old 
church and settlement of the first minister, 1774 to 1800. 

III. The ecclesiastical era, from 1800 to 1828, or from 
the first attempts to establish a Congregational Church to 
the dedication of the Methodist '' chapel," including the 
ministry of Revs. Alexander McLean and E. B. Wright. 

IV. The zenith of the century, or the period of great- 
est prosperity ; from the completed establishment of the 
Center churches to the great failure of the Jenks's. The 
Congregational Church of 1840 is built, the old edifice be- 
comes the town-house, Put's Bridge is Jenksville. Money 
plenty, times easy, until the catastrophe. Period, 1828 
to 1848. 

v. The Ludlow of to-day, taking in scope the balance 
of the century, introducing the Centennial. This will in- 
clude the Rebellion record. 1848-1875. 



THE HISTORY 



SECTION I. 

TO 1774. 
ANTE-LUDLOW. 

Who constitute a town — Tlie red man — Indian names — Eelics of a 
departed race — An ancient armory — Legend of camp-fires — Of 
the Leap — Of the alleged Facing Hills murder — The tenure of soil 
— Springfield of old — Governor Andros — A Yankee trick — The 
commons — Sections of commons — Line of commons — Allotments 
— The river — Early settlers — The tar husiness — Joseph Miller — 
Others— A wooing — Glimpse at the region — Church service — 
Proposition for district — Will they get an organization ? 

A COUNTRY, a state, a town, consists of the inhabitants 
thereof. Whatever the place is, or fails to be, depends 
not upon the conditions of its soil or weather, so much as 
on the people enjoying or l)raving the same. Spain, in 
the most favored of latitudes, may fail to influence its 
nearest neighbors, while a band of hardy colonists among 
the frozen seas," singing their sagas while reefing the sails 
of rude smacks, may make the name of Iceland famous. 
Our first acquaintance, then, Avill be with the earlier in- 
habitants of the territory now known as Ludlow. 

The history of the region, before the pale-1'ace had ap- 
propriated these lands, is preserved only in tradition. 
Some portions of these broad acres were, evidently, favor- 
ite haunts of the red man. The names, Minachogue and 
Wallamanumps, preserve the flavor of the aljoriginal. 
1 



2 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

The former name seems to have been applicable to the 
whole eastern region of Wilbraliam and Ludlow, and sig- 
nifies " Berry land." The latter word seems to have been 
applied to falls of the " Chicuepe," now at Ludlow Mills 
and Lidian Orchard. Places are pointed out in the town 
which the red man made his favorite resorts. At one spot 
the discoloration of the rocks is alleged to have come from 
the frec[uent camp-fires of the Indians. At other places, 
both in the extreme north and all the plain region, the 
frequency with which arrow-heads are found, and chip- 
pings of flint and stone, indicate that another nation than 
our own once used this region as the seat of an extensive 
armory. 

Of the legendary lore of the territory, there seem to 
liave been some specimens. After the destruction of 
Springfield by fire, October 4, 1675, the warriors retreat- 
ed eastward six miles, as we are informed by the annalists. 
The place of their encampment is said to have been on the 
peninsula, in the south part of the town, known as the 
Indian Leap; where twenty-four smouldering camp-fires 
and some abandoned plunder were all the vestiges remain- 
ing the next morning. 

Of course, the story of all stories concerning the In- 
dians, within the limits of the present town, is the familiar 
one respecting the leap of Roaring Thunder and his men, 
in the time of King Philip's war. Although the account 
is wholly legendary, there is therewith so fine a flavor of 
the aboriginal, that it has ever been popular among those 
fond of folk-lore. It is reported that the band of warriors 
was camping on the sequestered peninsula, lulled into quiet 
by the sound of the roaring fall of water, precipitously 
tmnbling scores of feet over the rocks, within a half mile 
of the stream-bed. Some aver, that upon this point there 
were spread the wigwams of the Indians, and quite a com- 
pany of them made the place their home ; that at the 



THE INDIAISrS. 3 

time these tragic events occurred, the red man had cap- 
tured one of the women from Masacksick/ and were pur- 
sued by the intrepid settlers, and finally discovered in 
their rude home on the banks of the river. In the midst 
of their quiet and solitude, came the alarm from the white 
man, closely following up their trail into the thicket. 
There was no retreat. They had taught the pale-face the 
meaning of " no quarter," and could expect nought but 
retaliation. Only one way of escape presented itself, and 
that was into the jaws of death. To the brink of the fear- 
ful precipice, then, before the back-waters of the corpora- 
tion pond had reduced the distance a hundred feet, did 
the painted braves dash on, and over into the wild waters 
and upon the ragged rocks they leaped, directly into the 
arms of hungry death. Roaring Thunder is said to have 
watched while each of his company leaped into the fright- 
ful chasm, and then, taking his child high in his arms, 
casting one glance back upon the wigwam homes, he fol- 
lowed the rest into the rushing waters. The pursuant foe 
looked, wonderingly, over the jutting sandstone walls ; but 
one living red-skin met his eye, and he was disappearing 
among the inaccessible forest trees which skirted the other 
shore.^ 

One other account, perhaps full as probable as either of 
those alread}' related, bears a later date. On a prominent 
part of Facing Hills rocks, there rises an abrupt precipice, 
from which eminence a sm^passingly grand outlook upon 
the region is to be obtained. This rock is supposed to 
have been the theater of one of those tragic events, too 
common in the days of early settlers. Away down the 
valley of the Chicuepe, was a little hamlet of hardy ad- 

^Longnieadnw. 

-See Appendix A. Tlie omnipresent iconoclast, who doubts a Sliakespeare and 
a Homer, lias thrown his shading over this lc)j;end, even sugrrjestinfj; that had the 
Indians varieil a few feet from the alleged course, they might have readied the river 
by an easy path. 



4 HISTORY OF LUDr.OW. 

venturers — so runs the story. Among the company was 
a family, in which were two women. Surprised by the 
blood-thirsty savages one da}'', when the men were out in 
the fields at work, one of the two found an opportunity 
to escape to the cellar, and hide under a tub. The other 
was so unfortunate as to become a prisoner, and accom- 
panied the captors, as they speeded away up the valley. 
Soon as possible the settlers were aroused, and started in 
pursuit. It was a fearful chase, and a fruitless one ; for 
the Indians, hurrying their booty along with them, 
reached this point on Facing Rocks, and, close pursued, 
put the victim out of misery by a tragic deatli.^ 

But the day of the red man is drawing to a close, and 
other claimants to the soil have appeared. The record 
of the purchase of the lands hereabouts from the Indians, 
is very clear, and shows that the settlers had all the rights 
of tenure Avliich could flow from such transfers of prop- 
erty as gave the white man his possessions. That a con- 
nected account of the settlement of the region may be 
before the reader, it will be necessary to go back a little. 

The original boundaries of Springfield circumscribed 
a region twenty-five miles square, including, west of the 
river, the land now comprising the toAvns of West Spring- 
field and Agawam, the city of Holyoke, and part of South- 
wick and Westfield in Massachusetts, and Suffield in Con- 
necticut ; on the east side of the river, besides Springfield, 
Longmeadow, Wilbraham, Chicopee and Ludlow in this 
State, and Enfield in Connecticut. So Ludlow comprises 
the north-easterly section of the Springfield of long ago. 

The grant of laud to William Pynchon, in 1636, in- 
cluded all this region, but no one had laid claim to the 
eastern-most and western-most limits. In the latter part 



■'Tliis event probably happened July 2G, 1708. It bears a strong rcseniltlance to 
the account of the massacre of the Wrights at Skipmuck. See Hollaiul's West- 
ern Mass., vol. 1, 158. 



THE COMMON LINES. O 

of the century, the oppressive measures of the EngUsh 
governor, Sh' Edmund Andros, gave color to the fear lest 
he should cause these out-regions to revert to the crown, 
especially as he had threatened to take away the charter 
of the colony. 

So far as the governor was concerned, his right to take 
this action can hardly be disputed. He was the first royal 
governor of New England, and came to carry out the 
wishes of the crown. As the government in England had 
declared the charters of all the New Ens^land colonies for- 
feited, Andros could do little else than execute the royal 
intentions. However, the Springfield colonists did not 
propose to be cheated out of their wood-lots by the crown, 
and so, with Yankee ingenuity, devised a plan to ward off 
the danger impending. In town meeting, February 3, 
1G85, they voted that, after reserving three hundred acres 
for the ministry, and one hundred and fifty acres for 
schools, on the east side of the river, and due proportions 
for like purposes, on the west side, the remainder should 
be divided among the one hundred and twenty-three heads 
of families, or legal citizens. With the ministry and school 
lots, there were thus one hundred and twenty-five proprie- 
tors, among whom the land was to be divided. Not that 
there were, good reader, that number of actual citizens, 
for it seemed no harm to add to the list the names of all 
male persons under age. 

The '' commons " east of the " Great River," seem to 
have included two sections, boiuided by a line running 
north and south ; the line on the east side, commencing at 
Newbury Ditch, so called, on the boundary of William 
Clark's land, extending from the hill west of the Norman 
Lj'on homestead, and passing southward near the present 
residence of Ezekiel F idler, past the rear of Mr. Haviland's 
house, and near the crossing of the Springfield, Athol and 
North-eastern railroad with the Three Rivers road, across 



G HISTORY OF LUDT.OW. 

the river, and near the Stony Hill road, in Wilbraham. The 
land divided, as above described, Avas the outward commons, 
eastward of this line. Each of the one hundred and twen- 
tj-'five took a share in each of the three sections east, and 
and the two west of the Great River. None of this outer 
common land was considered very valuable, but the 
method of division indicated was certainly fair,* 

A glance at the map will show that the northern sec- 
tion of the east outward commons, and a small portion of 
the middle section, lies to-day in the town of Ludlow. 
The shares were not equal, but according to valuation, of 
course varying much. It is said that the narrowest were 
eight feet wide, measured at sixteen feet to the rod, much 
to the perplexity of proprietors in following generations. 
These original territorial divisions may be seen to-day on 
Wilbraham mountains, indicated by the parallel lines of 
wall running east and west. 

In the north section, east, the school and minister lots 
ran through Cedar Swamp and over the north end of Mina- 
chogue mountain. The south boundary of the section 
must have passed not far from the south shore of AYood 
pond, and past the Miller Corner school lot to the river. 
The Chicopee river seems always to have constituted the 
boundary between Ludlow and Wilbraham, though by a 
singular oversight, the hither shore of the stream seems in 
both cases to have been fixed as the limit of the respective 
towns, leaving the Chicopee to flow uninterruptedly down- 
ward through the limits of Sj^ringfield, disowned by both 
towns on the borders. 

This little section of the middle portion of the outward 
commons, east, has the honor of being the first settled in 
the territory since bearing the name of Ludlow. Who 
was the first settler, is as yet a question undecided. Tra- 
dition gives the post of honor to one Aaron Colton, whose 

^See Appendix B. 



EARLY SETTLEES. 7 

home was situated on the bluff, just above the Chicopee 
river, where Arthur King now lives, and who must have 
settled prior to 1751. James Sheldon, Shem Chapin, and 
Benjamin Sikes are said to have been living in the town 
at the same period. James Sheldon is supposed to have 
lived on the site now occupied by Elijah Plumley's red 
house ; Benjamin Sikes, at the place just north of the 
Mann farm, on his allotment of commons ; and Shem 
Chapin, near the home of Samuel White. Thus of the 
first four homes known in the town, three were in the 
outward commons.^ 

We read, also, that " about 1748, Mr. Abel Bliss, of Wil- 
braham, and his son, Oliver, collected in the town of Lud- 
low, and west and south part of Belchertown, then called 
Broad Brook, a sufficient quantity of pine, to make two 
hmidred barrels of tar, and sold it for five dollars per bar- 
rel." With the proceeds, Bliss built a fine dwelling-house 
in Wilbraham, the envy of all the region. 

In 1751, came the family of Joseph Miller, braving the 
terrors and real dangers of a journey fourteen miles into 
the forest, away up the Chicopee river, to the present 
place of Elihu J. Sikes. The friends in their former home, 
West Springfield, mourned them as dead, and tradition 
has even stated that a funeral sermon was preached over 
their departure. Under their careful management, a pleas- 
ant home was soon secured, charmed by the music of the 
runnino* stream. As the wild forest trees succumbed to 
the prowess of the chopper, tender plants grew up in the 
home, and made the desert region glad by the echoes of 
childish prattle.^ A little later, in 1756, Ebenezer Barber's 
eyes turned toward " Stony Hill," and, beholding acres 



''It is rumored that a man named Antisel occupied a log house on the edge of 
Facing Hills, subsisting on game, and tiiat lie antedates all these settlers. One Pe- 
rez Antisel was deer-reeve in 1777. 

''They brought with them a female slave, who afterwards married. 



b HISTORY or LUDLOW. 

of attractive land, sought out for himself a home near 
Shem Chapin's, in the inward commons. The advent of 
others was, after this, quite f re([uent ; so much so that 
when the town was incorporated, in 1774, there were from 
two to three hundred inhabitants. Jonathan Lumbard 
commenced to clear a farm in the ulpper part of Cherry 
Valley, in 1757. Joshua Fuller cleared a spot on the 
Dorman place, at the Center, in 17G7, probably bringing 
with him his father. Young Fuller. James Kendall seems 
to have made the common line his eastern boundary, when 
he came into town, May 2, 1769. In 1770, Jonathan Burr 
moved in ox-carts, from Connecticut, and settled between 
Mary Lyon's and the mountain. In 1772, came Joel Wil- 
ley, to Miller Corner ; while a young man from Wilbra- 
ham, Isaac Brewer, Jr., who had cast furtive glances to- 
ward the developing charms of Captain Joseph Miller's 
daughter, and had braved the terrors of ford and ferry 
and wilderness, that he might visit there, became more 
and more enamored, until her graces, and her father's 
lands, won him from the home of his boyhood, for life. 
The happy young couple settled on the Lawrence place, 
where the same musical ripple of the Chicuepe delighted 
them, as had charmed the girlhood of the bride. 

Of the other families, who came to town and settled 
about this time, we have but room to give the names. 
Northward of Colton and Miller, and towards the present 
Center, lived Benajah Willey, afterwards the first district 
" dark." Just south of him was a Mr. Ay nes worth, whom 
fame has left without a memoir. Benjamin Sikes, the 
father of Benjamin, Abner and John, occupied the ances- 
tral farm, now owned by J. Mann, north of the Center, 
while his son, Lieutenant John Sikes, remained with his 
father. The son Abner went away to the eastward, three 
miles, to settle, near the present Alden district school- 
house. Near the line of the commons, and westward 



THE EEGION FORMERLY. 9 

thereof, was, in '74, quite a settlement. The Hitchcock 
home, occupied by Josiah and his son Abner, with fami- 
lies, now forms the homestead of Lucius Simonds, while 
another son, JosejDh, lived next west, and probably Ezra 
Parsons and John Hubbard, not far away. Beriah Jen- 
nings was near the present site of Ezekiel Fuller's house. 
Shem Chapin's neighbors were Aaron Ferry, Jacob Coo- 
ley, at the Torrey place, Noah Bowker, on the Samuel 
AVhite farm, Israel Warriner, a little below, and farther to 
the south, at the mill privilege, w^ere Ezekiel Squires, who 
built the first grist-mill there, and hard by, Oliver Chapin 
and the Zechariah Warners, father and son. 

The region thus peopled must have been wild, indeed. 
The roads were, in this period, hardly laid out, much less 
prepared for travel. No dams obstructed the onward 
flowing of the Chicuepe, no bridges spanned its stream for 
the convenience of the towns-people, and others. The 
grand highways of travel then, as now, were without the 
confines of the town, the north-easterly route from Spring- 
field crossed the plains within the inward commons, the 
south-easterly trail of the red man went through the 
South Wilbraham gap, as that of the white man must 
sooner or later, wdiile the " Grate Bay Rode" wound its 
way over plains and through passes just across the river 
to the south, as far from Joshua Fuller and his neighbors 
as the more pretentious successor of the "Rode" is to-day 
from his descendants, occupying the old acres. 

The surface of the land was in no desirable condition. 
"Where now blooming fields are spreading to the sun their 
luxuriant herbage, were then malarious bogs and sunken 
quagmires. The ponds caught the blue of heaven then 
as now, it is true, but their approaches were swamps, and 
their shores were diversified with decayed logs and de- 
caying underbrush. The region was infested with wolves 
and bears, while fleet-footed deer browsed confidently 
2 



10 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

upon the foliage of Mineachogiie mountain, sipped the 
waters of Mineachogue pond, reposed in shniiber sweet 
under Shelter rock, in Cherry Valley. Into such a re- 
gion as this ciune the hardy adventurers, from Spring- 
field, from West Springfield, from Ashfield, from Wil- 
braham, from Shutesbury, from Ellington, from Glaston- 
bury, from Somers, from Brookfield, from Bridgewater, 
until a goodly settlement was made in all parts of the 
present territory. 

Where these people attended church, is left to conjec- 
ture, but conjecture is not difficult. The Miller Corner 
people would naturally go southward, to listen to the ex- 
cellent sermons of the Reverend Noah Mirick, and, doubt- 
less, it was while there the furtive glances of young Isaac 
Brewer met, in spite of vigilant tithing-men, those of 
Captain Miller's daughter, until their blushes would display 
the ripening admiration. The other people, from the 
north-west part, most likely sought the blind trail across 
the wooded plain, following the blazed trees, until the 
center of the town of Springfield was reached. 

There could have been no imit}^ between the various 
parts of the town, for a while. After a time, however, 
neighborhoods were formed for mutual defense, the peo- 
ple stopping at night at some convenient head-quarters, 
safe from an attack by savage wolf or bear, or no less sav- 
age Indian, to disperse in the morning, each family 
to its own rude cabin, for the day's duties in the field, 
and home again at night, to heed the horn in lieu of 
curfew bell, and hie them to their lodging-house. 

But as time rolled on, the people began to tire of this 
condition. The waters of the Chicabee were, at times, so 
swollen they could not cross them ; the rude paths so wet 
or rough they could not with convenience traverse them. 
Why not form a community of their own? Could they 
not have a church, and a minister ? Could they not 



THE PETITION. 11 

gather at some nearer center, and enjoy the immunities of 
other towns and districts ? 

Would that the records of these preHminary meetings 
could be spread before us to-day ! But we may almost 
read of their doings. Capt. Miller, and his son-in-law, 
from the bank of the stream, Joshua Fuller, from the 
present center, the Hitchcocks, and Jennings's, and Ken- 
dalls, from the common line, the Chapins, and Bowkers, 
and Cooleys, from over the hill westward, the Lombards, 
and Sikes's, with their neighbors, Avould meet at Abner 
Hitchcock's, or Jacob Kendall's, or Joshua Fuller's, and 
talk the matter over, until in their minds the town w^as 
already in existence, and then the work was easy. A pe- 
tition was drawn up, very likely by Benajah Willey, pray- 
ing " His Excellency, the Honorable Governor, Thomas 
Hutchinson," representative of His Royal Majesty, the 
King, '•' Dei Gratia," to grant to the people the rights and 
privileges of *a district. The petition was duly signed and 
sealed, and either carried by special messenger, or sent by 
some traveler, by way of the Grate Bay Rode, to the 
head-quarters of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, in the far- 
off town of Boston. And with what result ? 



SECTION II. 

1774 TO 1800. 

LUDLOW IN" THE EIGHTEENTH CENTUKT. 

Governor Hutchinson — Trouble — Districts and tlieir functions — An- 
swer to petition — The charter — First district meeting — The set- 
tlers gathering — Original office-holders — Origin of the name — 
Geographical theory — The other Ludlows — Edmund Ludlow — 
Kogrer Ludlow — Remoteness of all these sources — Exchanaje of 
names with Wilbraham — West line — A church needed — Former 
ecclesiastical relations — Rev. Peletiah Chapin — Finding the cen- 
ter — The revolution — The record — Incidents and notes — Rev. 
Messrs. Davenport, Hutchinson, Haskell, Fuller, Pratt, Stone, 
Snell, and Woodward — Success at last — Stephen Burroughs — 
Call to Mr. Steward — Acceptance — Sketch of Rev. Antipas Stew- 
ard — A slice from one of his sermons — Erection of church — Im- 
provements on the edifice — Former chapels — Congregationalists 
— Mr. Steward receives a hint — Baptists — Methodism — Drowning 
of Paine and Olds — Shays — The Paine child — Sorrow in the JNIil- 
ler family — Cemeteries — Schools — Districts — School-houses — 
Representatives — Pounds — Warning out — Highways — Bridges — 
Progress of the period. 

Thomas Hutchinson was Governor of Massachusetts Bay 
Colony when the inhalntants of Stony Hill, in Springfield, 
applied for a town charter. He had fallen upon troublous 
times. There were mutterings frequent and painfully ap- 
parent against the ruling power. Men had even dared to 
question the right of the King to control their actions or 
their revenues. Three thousand miles of ocean waves, 
and no steam navigation, or telegraphic cable, to connect 
the shores, did not strengthen the weakening bonds. 
Each winged messenger over the seas brought from the 



PETITION FOR INCORPOEATIOX. Id 

old country tidings of the adoption of rigorous measures 
against the colonists ; returning, the same vessels bore to 
the perverse government news of increasing disaffection 
on part of the Americans. Some had even averred that 
the people of the New World could take care of themselves 
and spend their own revenues, while the more sagacious 
of English leaders foresaw the impending events, but 
in vain pointed out the true remedies. The more disaf- 
fected the colonists became, the more arbitrary were the 
measures of the crown. 

One of the measures adopted by England for the con- 
trol of the American subjects was the reduction of the 
representative power. As the inhabitants increased in 
numbers, they formed themselves into town organizations, 
having as one privilege that of sending a representative 
to the general assembly. As these towns increased, of 
course the number of representatives became larger, un- 
til an unwieldy body was assembling at the head-quarters 
of the colony each year, rapidly assuming power, and en- 
dangering the tenure of the crown. As a measure of 
safety, it was at length decided to give further applicants 
for town charter, all rights save that of representation, 
calling the organizations districts instead of towns. 

At precisely this juncture in affairs did the Stony Hill 
settlers send in their petition for incorporation. There 
seems to have been no good reason why the application 
of the people should not be granted, and it was evidently 
passed with no particular trouble. We append the an- 
swer received, in the language of the State records : 

" An Act for erecting that part of the Township of Springfield, 
called Stony Hill, into a separate District by the name of Lndlow. 

" Whereas, by reason of the remote situation of the inhabitants of 
that part of Springfield, called Stony Hill, from the center of the town 
and parishes of which they are now parts, and their incapacity there- 
by of receiving any advantages from a longer union and connection 
therewith ; and they have represented to this court that they are of a 



14 HISTORY OF LUDLOAY. 

sufficient number and estates to support the charges of a district, and 
have prayed that they may be accordingly erected into a district : 

"Be it enacted by the Governor, Council and House of Representa- 
tives, that that part of the Township of Springfield called and known 
by the name of Stony Hill, and the inhabitants thereof, included and 
contained within the following lines and boundaries, namely, bounding 
southerlj'^ oa Chicabee River, east on the east line of said Springfield 
and west line of Belchertown, northerly, on the north line of said 
Springfield, or partly on Belchertown and partly on Granby, and ex- 
tending westward so far as to include all that part of the outward com- 
mons, so called, that lies in the north-east corner of the Township of 
Springfield, and extending also in a line parallel with the west line of 
said outward commons, one mile and three-quarters farther west into 
the inward commons, so called, in said Springfield, north of Chicabee 
River, be erected into a separate District, by the name of Ludlow, and 
be invested with all the powers and privileges which towns in this 
Province enjoy by law ; that of choosing and sending a Represent- 
ative to the General Assembly only excepted. 

"And that the said District shall have full right and liberty from 
time to time to join with the town of Springfield, in the choice of Rep- 
resentatives to represent them in the General Assembly, and that the 
said District of Ludlow shall, from time to time, be chargeable with, 
and pay their proportion and part of the charge and expense of such 
Representatives, and the free-holders and other inhabitants of the said 
District of Ludlow, shall be notified of the time and place of such elec- 
tion in like manner as the inhabitants of said Springfield, bj'' a "War- 
rant from the Selectmen of Springfield, directed to the Constable of 
said District, requiring him to warn the inhabitants thereof to meet 
and assemble in the meeting for that purpose, at the time and place 
therein appointed, and that the pay of such representatives be borne 
by the said District, and the towns of Springfield and Wilbraham, in 
such proportion as they respectively pay to the province tax. 

" And be it further enacted that the said District of Ludlow and the 
inhabitants therof shall stand charged with the payment of their shave, 
part and proportion of all debts and sums of money due and owing 
from said town of Springfield, and all grants, rates and assessments al- 
ready made, and that this Act shall not extend to abridge or affect the 
rights of the inhabitants of the town of Springfield to the timber, 
herbage, or stone on any lands in said District. 

" And be it further enacted that the Honorable John AVorthington, 
Esq., be empowered and directed to issue his warrant, directed to some 
principal inhabitant of said District, requiring him to warn the inhab- 



ACT OF IXCORPOKATIOX. 15 

itants of said District qualified by law to vote in town meetings, to 
assemble at some convenient place in said District, some time in March 
next, to choose all such officers as may be necessary to manage the 
affairs of said District, and which by law ought to be chosen, which at 
such meeting the}" are hereby required to choose. 

"And be it further enacted that if the said west line of the before 
described tract of land, now erected into a District, should not extend 
so far as to include and contain the farms of Zachariah Warner, Zach- 
ariah Warner, Jun., Oliver Chapin, and Ezehiel Squire, that their said 
farms and lands, situate in said place called Stony Hill, be made part 
of, and annexed to, said District, to all intents and purposes, and that 
the same, with the inhabitants thereof, have and receive all the privi- 
leges, duties and burthens of the said District, in as full manner as 
though the same were contained within the limits and boundaries fii'st 
described. 

'' And be it further enacted, that the said District of Ludlow and the 
inhabitants thereof, be, and hereby are at all times hereafter, freed, 
discharged and exempted from all future duties, taxes and assessments 
in the several parishes and precincts to which they before this Act 
belonged and appertained; and that they be forever after disunited 
and separated from all other parishes and precincts, and no longer be, 
continue or remain, part or parcel thereof, or in any wise connected 
therewith : provided, nevertheless, that they remain charged with the 
pa3nnent of their part and proportion of all grants, taxes and assess- 
ments, heretofore made by the respective parishes to which they before 
appertained. 

"And be it further enacted, that the said District of Ludlow shall 
have and hold their share and proportion of all ministry and school 
lands lying in the outward commons, so called, on both sides of 
Connecticut E,iver, in said Springfield, and of all the stock of ammu- 
nition, and of all sums of money in the treasury of said town, and of 
all debts due and owing to said town (excepting the sum of two hun- 
dred pounds heretofore granted and appropriated for building a bridge 
over Chicabee River), there to be divided, appointed and set off to them 
in such share and proportion as the inhabitants there paid and were as- 
sessed to the last Province tax in said town, and that the said District 
shall at all times be chargeable with the maintenance and support of 
the present poor of the town of Springfield, in the same proportion, and 
with their proportion of the maintenance and support of any person or 
persons heretofore belonging to said town, but now removed from 
thence, who shall be returned thither and become the public charge 
thereof." 



IG HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

"February 23, 1774. This Bill, having been Kead three Several 
Times in the House of Representatives, Passed to be Enacted. 

Thomas Gushing, Speaker. 

"February 23, 1774. This Bill, having been Eead three Several 
Times in Counsel, Passed to be Enacted. 

Thomas Flucker, Sec'y. 

"February 28th, 1774. B}"- the Governor. 

I consent to the Enacting of this Bill. 

T. Hutchinson. 

"A true copy. Attest, John Cotton, D. Secr'y." 

" The Honorable John Worthington " issued his " War- 
rant," according to direction, and then probably sent out 
a Springfield citizen to see that the " inhabitants of said 
District " conducted themselves with due legal propriety 
at their first district meeting. The warrants were posted, 
attracting such attention as never since have like docu- 
ments, and the Ides of March were eagerly aAvaited. At an 
early hour came the proud yeomen. From both sides of 
Mineachogue, from the margin of Higher Brook and its 
tributaries, from the edge of Shingle Swamp northward, 
and Bear Swamp eastward, on foot and on horseback, 
came the men and their boys, until the kitchen of Aljner 
Hitchcock was well filled. The hand of Benajah Willey 
traced out for the curious of later days the following rec- 
ord, in chirography that would bear favorable comparison 
with later specimens : 

" The first town meetino: was held at the house of Ab- 
ner Hitchcock, March IGth, 177-4. Moses Bliss, Esq., of 
Springfield, was chosen moderator, Benajah Willey, clerk, 
Aaron Ferry, Abner Sikes, and Joseph Miller Avere chosen 
selectmen, Joshua Fuller and Jacob Kendall, wardens, Jo- 
seph Jones, John Hubbard, Jr., and Joseph Hitchcock, 
assessors, John Sikes and Jacob Cooley, constables, Joseph 
Miller became the treasurer, Beriah Jennings, Joel Willey 
and Noah Bowker were elected surveyors, James Kendall 



ORIGIN OF XAME. 17 

and Oliver Chap in, titliing-men, Israel Warriner and Isaac 
Brewer, fence viewers, Isaac Warriner and Ezra Parsons, 
hog-reeves, Ezekiel Squires, Aaron Colton, and Jonathan 
Lombard, deer-reeves " — surely a distribution of spoils. 

It is a singular fact that the origin of the name of Lud- 
low has never been satisfactorily settled. If the result of 
repeated investigations had been to clear up this matter, 
we might be satisfied ; the fact is, however, such exami- 
nation has only resulted in throwing doubts upon theo- 
ries previously advanced. The titles of towns were de- 
rived from the most trivial circumstances, oftentimes. It 
is rumored that a provincial governor crossed the sea in a 
vessel named the Blandford. One of the earlier events 
of his official life was the incorporation of a new town 
west of the Great River. Assuming the prerogative of 
naming the town, he thought well of the ship which 
brought him safely over, and the town was yclept Bland- 
ford. This fact illustrates the difficulty encountered by 
inquirers of a later day in tracing the naming of town ti- 
tles. We find no assistance in the earlier archives. Prior 
to 1774, the region is called Mineachogue, Outward Com- 
mons, the ^'' Cow Pasture," Stony Hill. The act of incor- 
poration passes, and the new district is Ludlow. We are 
unable to trace any connection with the geographical name 
as elsewhere employed, and find ourselves forced into the 
annals of biography for the more likely theories.^ 

iTlie other places bearing the name are as follows : 

Ludlow, County Salop or Shropshire, England. A considerable town near the 
borders of England and Wales, of ancient origin, sending two members to parlia- 
ment. Governed by a mayor and aldermen. Known widely because of its famous 
castle just without the town, now in ruins, but for many years playing an iraporc- 
ant part in the affairs of the kingdom, forming, as it did, one of the frontier outposts 
of England. See a very interesting letter, from the Mayor of the town, in the 
Appendix, C. 

Ludlow, Windsor Co., Vt., a large manufacturing village on the Black River, just 
at the hase of the Green Mountains, on the Cheshire railroad. 

Ludlow, Northumberland Co., New Brunswick, on ouc of the brandies of the 
Miramichi, 



18 HISTOKT or LUDLOW. 

The first theory, presented by the able speaker at the 
Centennial Celebration,^ points to Sir Edmund Ludlow, an 
ardent republican living in England at the time of the 
protectorate, who was one of the king's judges. Always 
opposed to the idea of the protectorate, he won a warm 
place in the esteem of all true patriots by twice standing 
firmly against the ruling power in the interests of repub- 
licanism.'' He flourished in the middle of the fifteenth 
century. 

' The other suggested origin of name is from one Eoger 
Ludlow, a prominent citizen in early New England colo- 
nial history. He came to Roxbury about a dozen years 
after the Mayflower arrived, and was ever a prominent 
character. Presented to the people as a candidate for the 
governorship of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1G34, 
he failed of an election. Deeply chagrined at his defeat, 
and stung by charges against his management as deputy, 
he left the colony, removing to Windsor, Conn. Here he 
became a leading man, at one time being employed to 
draw up for the people a code of laws, long known as 
Ludlow's code.* He removed after some years, to Fair- 
field, Avhence, after an altercation with the officials of New 
Haven colony, he departed to Virginia, and disappeared 
from public sight at once and forever.^ 

Ludlow, Miami Co., Ohio. Ludlow, Champaign Co., 111. 

Ludlow, Dubois Co., Ind. Ludlow, Allamakee Co., Iowa. 

Ludlow, Si.ott Co., Miss. Ludlow, Kentou Co., Ky. 

Ludlowville, Lansing, Tompkins Co., N. Y. Ludlow, McKean Co., Pa. 

^Sce Address, Kote I. 

^^The theory suggested relative to the association of Ludlow and Hampden, per- 
sons and names, seems hardly probable, as there was an interval of thirty-eight 
years between the christenings. Would a tory like Ilutchiuson have honored the 
memory of Ludlow ? 

*This code bears the date 1G94. Among its provisions, were a fine of 5 shillings 
for non-attendance at cliurch, and one of 10 shillings (or swearing. Tobacco was not to 
be used by any under twenty, except on recommendation of a physician. A fine of 
6d. was to be levied for the use of the weed in public. 

''For the etymology of the word and the Milton theory, see the letter from Mayor 
John Adiiey of Lu.Uow, England, in the Appendix, C. 



ECCLESIASTICAL DEMANDS. 19 

Of these two suggested sources of the name, so nearly 
contemporary, the reader must choose, until additional 
light can be thrown upon the subject. An objection 
against both sources is the remoteness of the characters, 
a full century intervening betAveen them and their sup- 
posed namesake.'' 

The provision made in the charter for the incorporation 
of certain farms within the limits of the district, probably 
accounts for the angles in the western line of the town, 
evidently made so as to include those lands belonging to 
the proprietors named. The original boundary was evi- 
dently very similar to the present. 

The first meeting is past, the new district is named, 
and all preparations are made for corporate existence. 
But nothing has been done to bring about that state of 
things so desirable to the settlers. They must have a 
church and the ordinances of the sanctuary. 

The w^orld may smile at the earlier annals of New Eng- 
land history, but while smiling, may still read and ponder. 
There was little in the rugged commons which foretold a 
town. There was httle in the appearance of these hus- 
bandmen that prophesied the Ludlow yeomen of to-daj''. If 
you would learn of the principle that gave to these seem- 
ingly inchoate elements their unity and combined strength, 
read of their religious longings. They desired a place 
for convenient worship, and so those worshiping westward 
turned from their ecclesiastical home to find another east- 
ward ; those whose heart-strings had entwined about the 
Wilbraham sanctuary, loosened the tendrils and trained 
them about the remoter center northward. When will 
the lesson be remembered, that our nobler institutions had 

*^In speaking of names, it is worthy of remark that while the name of Stony 
Hill, formerly given to Ludlow, has been appropriated by a section of Wilbraham, 
cur town preserves in its most prominent landmark, Mt. Miiieachoguej the title 
once given by the aborigines to all the outward commons. 



20 niSTORT OF LUDLOW. 

their bases planted on the stone once rejected, but now 
" the Head of the Corner ? " 

Tracing the records of the time, we soon discover the 
people gathering again in district meeting, at Abner 
Hitchcock's, April 22d, about a month after the other, 
and voting " to hire Mr. Pelatiah Chapin." Explanations 
in later records show that Mr. Chapin was desired to 
preach. With an eye to order, as well as sanctuary privi- 
leges, they, in the next breath, " voted that Swine Should 
run at large yok*^ and with a Ring in their Nose as the 
law Directs." Resuming the former theme, a committee, 
John Hubbard, Abner Sikes and Joseph Jones were chosen 
" for to agree with M\ Chapin." At an adjourned meet- 
ing, "June 1th," Abner Sikes, Edmond Demon and Jona- 
than Bartlett were chosen to find the center of the dis- 
trict, that a location for a meeting-house could be fixed. 
Still later, in October, the committee named, having har- 
vested a crop planted since their appointment, rej^orted 
that they had seen Mr. Chapin, and secured his services. 
The district ratified their action, and authorized them 
to continue in their official relation. The other com- 
mittee failed to -secure as much favor, for they were dis- 
charged, but Sikes and Demon were again employed for 
the same purpose, together with Samuel Ackley and 
Oliver Chapin. 

It was at this meeting that there occurred the first offi- 
cial measure bearing upon the coming struggle with the 
mother country. The call to a meeting of all the prov- 
ince had gone out to every town and district, asking for 
the appointment of one or more delegates from each cor- 
porate body, to a Provincial Congress to be held at Con- 
cord. Joseph Miller was appointed to go, and went, not 
only to this but to the succeeding session at Salem, held a 
little later, and also to still another like gathering at Cam- 
bridge, and another at Watertown the next May. A lit- 



THE REYOLUTIOX. 21 

tie idea of the expense of these journeys may be obtained 
from the item recorded later : 

''Voted that Joseph Miller be allowed his bill for attending the 
Several Congresses, which is £11 13s 2d, likewise voted that the said 
Capt. Joseph Miller have Two Shillings pr. Day for Thirty Two Days 
Service attending the Several Congresses." 

It mav be as well here to trace the town record throusrh 
this fearful struggle, comprising the birth-throes of a 
nation. Ludlow has no occasion to be ashamed of her 
history in this respect. One in seven of her inhabitants 
left for a longer or briefer time their homes and loves to 
engage in the fray. In the defences at home, in the con- 
flicts at the capital/ in the battles on the frontier, at the 
carnage of Trenton, were found the representatives of 
the little district in the Province of Massachusetts Bay. 

A glance at the names of the men who went from the 
district^ will make it evident to any one familiar with the 
earlier history of the place, that the best blood was repre- 
sented in the revolution. The records make evident the 
fact that every burden imposed was borne, every tax paid. 
The people seem to have taken " joyfully the spoiling of 
their goods." In one of the provincial congresses, held 
February 1, 1775, the place was assigned the care of ten 
of the inhabitants of Boston, and March 20th the people 
vote "that the Constables pay into the hand of Henry 
Gardner, Esq""., of Stow, all the moneys Due from this 
District Respectively to supply the said pressing Exigen- 
cies of the Colony, according to a resolve of the late Pro- 
vincial Congress." In the apportionment of coats for 
soldiers in the service in 1775, Ludlow is to find twenty- 
three, and no doubt the district complied. Twelve pounds 
annual bounty for two years was offered to volunteers in 
1777, while a bounty of thirty pounds was necessary, or 

"It is reported that Dr. Aaron J. Miller was in the " tea party " at Boston. 
^See Mr. Tuck's Address, Note IV. 



22 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

deemed so, two years after. As money degenerates later 
in the year, it becomes necessary to raise <£160 for war 
purposes. Other instances of patriotism have been in- 
stanced by another pen.^ The noblest monument of the 
loyalty of Ludlow in her infancy, however, is in that no- 
ble list of thirty strong men who went forth at their 
country's call. 

But the darkest nights end in gleamings of daA^ii, and 
after all this self-denial and inconvenience and manifold 
peril, we turn over but few pages of the records before 
we discover references to " the late war." 

It was a trying time for a new town, when its revenues 
were diverted to pay the costs of war, and its young men 
sent off to bear the musket. Yet the citizens persist in 
living, and, moreover, in supporting the institutions of 
religion among themselves. Mr. Chapin^'^ was hired for a 
season, (probably a year in all,) and others in the passage 
of time. An application was made in 1776 to neighbor- 
ing ministers to supply the desk for a while. In 1777, the 
selectmen are instructed to " provide a place for a candi- 
date to board at while preaching among us." In 1779, 
Rev. Mr. Davenport is hired for one month, and the com- 
mittee left to decide whether he shall continue longer. 
lie seems to have made little impression, for in 1778, 
Jonathan Bartlett, Joshua Fuller and Joseph Hitchcock 
became a committee " to hire a Candidate." AVho sup- 
plied from 1777 to 1783, we have not discovered. In 
that year, a committee was instructed to hire " M^ Hutch- 
inson to Preach with us again." The next year a like 
order is given with reference to " M"". Haskal," who, this 
time under the soubriquet of " M"". David Haskill," seems 

»See Address, Note III. 

^^'In the Cliapin Genealogy is the following : " Rev. Peletiah Chapin, son of 
Elijah Chapin, b. 174(j, was a jireaciier of the Gospel for a groat number of years. 
At the time of his imblishmunt the record says he was of Chesterfield, (probably 
N. II.). He died in Now Ilampsliire, aged 'M." 



THE EAKLIEE MINISTRY. 23 

to have been in town two 3'ears later. This reverend 
gentleman enjoys the distinction of being the first to re- 
ceive a call from the towns-people, a vote extending such 
an invitation bearing record '• thursday the 19 Day of 
October," same year. A committee of three is to apply 
to neighboring minister for advice. Thirty-one days later 
it is voted " to give Mr. David Haskill one hundred and 
Fifty Pounds Settlement & Sixty Pounds Sallery yearly, 
So Long as he Supplies the Town in the gospel ministry." 
AYhether "Mr. David Haskill" objected to the terms, or 
was rejected by the council, does not appear, but it is 
certain he was not settled, for the next year the commit- 
tee are instructed to apply to him again for a supply. 

In 1788, the town signifies its desire for the services of 
Mr. Stephen Fuller, and in the same year they propose a 
call to Mr. Allen Pratt, and wish to hear him two Sab- 
baths. In 1789, at a meeting called almost for the pur- 
jDOse, it is voted to give a call to Mr. William Stone, with 
the same settlement as was offered Mr. Haskill, and a 
" Sallery " of fifty Pounds Yearly, " and also that the sum 
to Increase forty shillings per year after one year, until 
it amount to sixty-five pounds annually." But again 
was the vacant pulpit to mourn over the futile attempts 
at a permanent settlement. In 1790, "Mr. Aaron Wood- 
Avard " is invited to continue his services, and the follow- 
ing year" still finds him here, while in 1793 it is proposed 
to call him, with a settlement of £150, and a salary of 
£40 at first, increasing five pounds annually to £G0 — 
the sums to be paid in grain or stock. The committee is 
to confer with the reverend gentleman and report at a 
future meeting, but his name at this point drops forever 
from the records.^^ 

"In 1791, it is recorded that the town desired tlie services of a Mr. Snell for four 
Sabbaths. 
i-l\ev. William Rice writes : " I think Woodward once lived iu Wilbraham, but 

not as pastor." 



24 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

But day begins to dawn upon the often disappointed 
people, and brings with it one who will stay among them 
for a season and share their joj^s and sorrows. Under 
date of May 1, 1793, we read, " Voted, to give the Minis- 
terial Committee further Instructions to hire Mr. Steward 
to preach with us a longer time." Antipas Steward, the 
learned, the pious, has come to Ludlow to abide here. 

But before proceeding with a description of this first 
settled minister in the town, it will be desirable to men- 
tion an episode which occurred during this ante-regnwn, 
in which a character afterward notorious, plays an im- 
portant part. Reference is made to the ministrations of 
Stephen Burroughs, who in 1783 or 1784 preached his 
first sermon in this town, bearing the assumed name of 
Davis. Without further statement of the affair than re- 
marking that the Fuller named must have been Joshua, 
and the place of entertainment on the present Dorman 
farm, we give the account of the affair as written by the 
chief actor himself. 

After mentioning the chain of circumstances leading to 
his determination to preach, and describing his clothing, 
*' which consisted of a light-gray coat, with silver-jDlated 
buttons, green vest, and red velvet breeches," Mr. Bur- 
roughs goes on thus : 

"Hearing of a place called Ludlow, not far distant, where tliey were 
destitute of a clergyman, I bent my course that way, it being Satur- 
day, and intended to pi'each the next day, if I proved successful. I 
arrived about noon, and put up at the house of one Fuller, whom I 
found to be a leading man in their religious societ}''. I introduced my- 
self to him as a clergyman, and he gave me an invitation to spend the 
Sabbath with them and preach. You will readily conclude that I di<l 
not refuse this invitation. * * * I retired to rest at the usual time, 
and after I had composed my mind sufficiently for reflection, I began to 
consider under what situation my affairs now stood, and what was to 
be done under present circumstances. I had engaged to preach on the 
morrow. * * * People had been notified that a sermon would be 
delivered. Tliis business I never had attempted. * * * "What, 



STEPHEX BURROUGHS. 25 

said I, would be my feelings, should I malce some egregious blundei' 
in traveling this unbeaten road ';**** These considerations 
made so dismal an appearance, that I at once concluded to get up, take 
my horse privately out of the stable and depart, rather than run the 
risk of the dangers which were before me. But upon more mature re- 
flection, I found the hard hand of necessity compelled me to stay. 
AVhcn I awoke the next morning, my heart beat with anxious palpita- 
tion for the issue of the day. * * * The time for assembling ap- 
proached ! I saw people began to come together. My feelings were 
all in arms against me, my heart would almost leap into my mouth. * 
* * Why, said I, am I thus perturbated with these whimsical feel- 
ings ? I know my dress is against me, and will cause some speculation ; 
but I cannot help it, and why need I afflict myself with disagreeables 
before they arrive ? I endeavored to calm my feelings by those reflec- 
tions, fortified my countenance with all resolution, and set out with my 
bible and psalm-book under my arm, those being the only insignia of 
a clergyman about me. When I made my appearance, I found a stare 
of universal surprise at my gay dress, which suited better the charac- 
ter of a beau than a clergjnnan. My eyes I could not persuade my- 
self to raise from the ground till I had ascended the pulpit. I was 
doubtful whether I had the command of my voice, or even whether I 
had any voice. I sat a few moments, collecting my resolution for the 
effort of beginning. I made the attempt — I found my voice at command 
— my anxiety was hushed in a moment, my perturbation subsided, and 
I felt all the serenity of a calm summer's morning. I went through 
the exercises of the forenoon Avithout any diiSculty. * *= * 

"During the intermission, I heard the whisper in swift circulation 
among the people, concerning my appearance in such a dress. The 
question was often asked with great emphasis, 'Who is he?' but no 
one was able to give those answers which were satisfactory. A con- 
sultation took place among some leading members of the society, rela- 
tive to hiring me to continue among them as a preacher, as I had in- 
timated to Mr. Fuller that I should be willing to continue among them 
in that capacit}', should such a matter meet with their approbation. 
I attended on the afternoon's exercises without any singular occur- 
rence. The meeting being dismissed, and the people retired, I was 
informed by my landlord, that they did not agree to hire me any 
longer ; accordingly, I found my business here at an end. 

" I was advised by Mr. Fuller, to make application to Mr. Baldwin, 
minister of Palmer, for information where were vacancies. I accord- 
ingly set out for Palmer on Monday morning." 
4 



20 niSTOEY OF LrDLOW. 

On IMonda}', June 1st, 1793, the town voted to give 
Mr. Antipas Steward a " Call to Settle in the gospel Min- 
istry among us in said town." At the same time a com- 
mittee to estimate the amount needed for his support was 
appointed, to report in four wrecks ; the committee were 
Timothy Keyes, John Sikes, David Lyon, John Jennings, 
Elisha Iluljbard, Israel Warriner, and James Kendall. 
Whether they had difficulty in agreeing or not is un- 
known, but it is certain that the next town meeting did 
not occur until August 26th, when it was agreed to give 
Mr. Steward sixty pounds, with thirty cords of wood an- 
nually, as long as he should be able to officiate. A long 
delay follows, but the people are not fiu'ther doomed to 
disappointment, for on November 14th, the citizens trans- 
acted the following business : 

"1st, Voted, Esq'' James Kendall Moderator of said meeting. 

" 2'', Voted that the ordination of M'' Steward be on wendsday the 
Twenty seventh of Nov™ Instant. 

" Voted to grant £20 to be asessed on the Polls and Estates of said 
Town to defray the Charges of M"" Steward ordination. 

"Voted that a Committee of three be appointed to See how the Said 
money is Expended and make preparation for the Council on said day 
and that John Sikes Esq^, James Kendall & Elisha Hubbard be Said 
Committee. 

"Voted that M' Joshua Fuller be appointed to keep good order and 
Hegulations on ordination da}"." 

It was a proud day for Ludlow, that November 2Tth, 
1793. Every citizen stepped firmly, every matron put on 
her best gown, every damsel smiled sweetly, for was it not 
ordination day, and was not Ludlow to have a parson of 
her own ? Bezaleel Howard came from Springfield, and 
probably Joseph Willard from Wilbraham, Joseph Lathrop 
from West Springfield, Nehemiah Williams from Brim- 
field, Richard Salter Storrs from Longmeadow, and, if his 
health allowed, John McKinstry from the present Chico- 
pee, as council, with perhaps others. The session could 



EEV. AXTIPAS STEWARD. 27 

not have been tedious, for Mr. Steward was then an old 
preacher. From that twent}^ pounds there must have 
come something good for the inner man, and very Ukely 
the Washingtonians of a half century later would have held 
up their hands in holy horror could they have been per- 
mitted to catch the tell-tale odors. 



5^^^ i^y&i^ar^ 




A fac simile of whose autograph is here presented, was 
born in Marlboro, Mass., in 1734, and was graduated at 
Harvard University in 1760, eminently qualified by scho- 
lastic attainments. For a time he was a tutor in the Uni- 
versity. It seems that when he was assigned a room as 
tutor, in his absence, he having solicited single apart- 
ments, he and one Mr. Fyler were placed together, that 
gentleman and he having been the only ones presenting 
such a request, and hence deemed suitable associates. 
The succession of his labors has not been ascertained, but 
upon his manuscripts are the name of Danvers East and 
Gloucester, Sandy Bay, with reference in letters to a place 
in Maine and one in Connecticut. 

Mr. Steward was a small man, but slightly built and 
short of stature, carrying with him a small cane, which, 
preserved to-day, cannot be more than thirty inches in 
length. He was near-sighted ; his chirography was good, 
as the specimen indicates, but so close and fine that much 
of it is to-day read with difficulty. Greek, Latin and 
Hebrew quotations are freely and legibly interlined. He 
was obliged to hold the manuscript close to his eyes while 
reading. Gad Lyon led the singing, standing in front of 
the minister, and lining out the psalms of easy meter. 
Mr. Steward possessed a stentorian voice, and was withal 



28 IIISTOIIY OF LUDLOW. 

very fond of exercising the same in psalmody. Mr. Lyon 
was similarly blessed, so that irreverent auditors used to 
say the parson and chorister vied with each other to see 
who could make the most noise. Forming his opinions 
under the shadow of Harvard long before the Revolution, 
he was probably a tory, nor is it likely he ever changed 
his views very much in this regard. Old people remem- 
ber him as a fine specimen of the ancient province-man, 
who, in powdered locks and a three-cornered hat, would 
visit the homes and schools, encouraging the children by 
a pat upon the head and an exhortation to be good, or 
warning them with a statement that if they lied he would 
find it out, though miles away. 

From an old sermon of Mr. Steward's the folloAving 
specimen selection is taken, illustrating not only the 
quaintness of style and peculiarity of thought, but also 
the real strength of the man, who, despite all caricature, 
was no unworthy representative of his profession at that 
day. The selection may be of use to some one who, by 
reason of a storm, may some day be prevented attend- 
ing town-meeting : 

" First, I am to Show Avliat we are to understand b}'' y^ Injunction 
in y®Text 'work out y*^ Salvation', &c., but before we enter upon a Dis- 
cussion of tlie Command, it may be pertinent to premise a few Things; 
and obviate some objections w*^**, if allowed, it would follow that the 
Proposition is of no Manner of Importance; being either wholy 
void of Meaning, or else requiring an utter Impossibility : but grant- 
ing These, one or the other, it will appear of no great Weight, and 
not, as in Truth it is, 'worthy of all Acceptation ;' and demanding our 
highest Concern : 

" Some may alledge, and say, that inasmuch as God sees and deter- 
mines all y* Actions, w'** are done by any of his Creatures thro' the 
Universe, they & their Ways being entirely under his Inspection, 
and at his Disposal. None of them can do anything voluntarily, but 
altogether by Necessity ; not being able to perform any Operation 
spontaneously, and according to the Dictates of Reason. * * * 

" To such Suggestions as these we rei)ly, and say : that. Altho' we 



TEMPLE BUILDING. 20 

allow that God is infinite in Knowledge and Power; sees and deter- 
mines all events in the Kingdom of Nature and Providence; yet we 
suppose this doth by no means hinder the Liberty of Will in the 
Creature ; but they may act as freelj'-, this notwithstanding, as tho' 
they were absolute, and independent Beings ; and had the entire Dis- 
posal of their Wills." 

The drift of tlioiiglit very plainly indicates that Mr. 
Steward was Arminian in view. He lived in the place 
now owned by A. L. Bennett, and had two daughters, 
one of whom married Dr. Sylvester Nash, and, if not liv- 
ing, has passed away very recently. The other, who mar- 
ried a Bardwell of Belchertown, was mother of Oramel 
Bardwell, well known to our towns-people, and to whom 
Ave are indebted for the most of these facts. 

Let us now retrace our steps from the ordination to 
earlier days, and recite the account of the erection of the 
first church. One of the earliest actions of town-meetino- 
we have seen, relates to fixing a stake upon a meeting- 
house lot. The Ludlow people seem to have had some 
difficulty in agreeing upon the location of their edifice. 
It is rumored that the original center lay in the midst of 
Cedar S^vamp, a rather shaky foundation for town ecclesi- 
astics. The causes to which Mr. Tuck refers, the scarcity 
of money and absorption of interest in the affairs of the 
Revolution, were doubtless instrumental in the delay 
experienced. However, just at the close of the strug- 
gle, the people rallied and erected their desired place 
of worship. Another hand has described the interesting 
events ;^'^ we only add the names of the building commit- 
tee, who were John Sikes, Moses Wilder, Timothy Keyes, 
James Kendall and Isaac Brewer. After the raising, an- 
other £200 was assessed for completion. The first town 
meeting at the meeting-house, was held August 3, 1784, 
which must have been near the date of first occupancy. 

i=^Sce address of Mr. Tuck, Note V. 



30 HISTOHY OF LUDLOW. 

The lioiise appears at first to have been merely enclosed 
"svitli rough boards, without floors or plastering or doors, 
save perhaps the rudest. In June, 1788, some parties 
desired to have the place put in better shape, but failed to 
secure the approbation of the town. The agitation 
evidently did good, for four months later Warriner, Miller 
and Burr were made a committee to repair the house. 
Very likely there were needed the chats of a winter to 
think over the matter, but in March specific instructions 
followed. They must lay a floor, make doors, complete 
the windows and clapboard the building. In October they 
were allowed £30 for the work. Surely the temple was 
now goodly indeed ; what more could man desire ? the 
pride of humanity! Two years have hardly Avheeled 
around before the extravagant people must squander all 
of £18 in painting the meeting-house! One might to-day 
go around the world half a dozen times while they were 
doing the work, but the bill finally appeared in July, 1793. 
One extravagance breeds another, and in '95 the town 
votes its third £200 for completing the edifice, which same 
sum, probably, is defined in federal money the next year 
to be ^000.06. In two years and a half the indignant 
citizens vote to bring their slothful contractor, one 
"Lomis," to terms, by law, if need be, and appoint a 
committee to put glass in the windows. 

We are not left wholly to conjecture respecting the 
plans for public worship and town business before the 
house was fitted for use. The three favorite places for 
town uieetings were Joshua Fuller's, Jacob Kendall's and 
Abner Hitchcock's. In 1777, the houses of James Kendall 
and Samuel Scrauton were prescril)ed as places for assem- 
bly in worship and for town business. Barns seem to have 
been brought into requisition ; one then standing opposite 
L. Shnonds' present home was thus used, and has been 
torn down within the memory of manv now living. 



CnUECTT MATTERS. 31 

Burroughs is said to have preached in a barn near the 
present Methodist church. 

The church organizations seem to have made but Httle 
progress up to the close of this period. Of course the 
town ministry was Congregational, and the town services 
after the order of that denomination. But there seems 
to have been little permanent religious strength acquired. 
It is stated that at the time the ministry of Mr. Steward 
began, there were fifteen joined in church fellowship, but 
we shall discover a diminution rather than increase as the 
ministry advances. The labors of the reverend gentle- 
man seem to have lacked appreciation before the century 
closed, for in 1799 the town voted, that " a Committee 
be appointed to signify to Rev*^ M"^ Steward that the town 
are willing that he should be disconnected from the People 
in this Place, if he should be willing himself." On the 
10th of March a committee is instructed to ask him to 
relinquish his claim of salary, using the precaution to 
assure him of the disposition of the town " to cultivate 
peace, love, concord and good agreement among them- 
selves and a good understanding towards their minister." 
As a result of the conference the town agree to make a 
donation of £80 and pay all arrearages by November 2Tth, 
on condition that he be released from service on the 1st 
of June and draw no salary thereafter. 

As early as 178G, David Daniels, David Paine and John 
Scranton are excused from paying church rates, they pre- 
senting certificates setting forth their adhesion to the 
" Baptist Principles." These certificates are duly signed 
by " Elder Seth Clark, minister of the Baptist church, 
Wilbraham." 

The beginnings of Methodism in Ludlow occur in the 
last decade of the eighteenth century. The first itinerant 
who visited the town was probably George Pickering, and 
the second George Eoberts, whose efforts ante-date 1793. 



IVI ITTSTOr.Y OF LI'DLOW. 

The first })romment layman in the town was Samuel Frost, 
familiarly known as " Master Frost." In 1793, he invited 
the itinerants to visit the town and preach at his house. 
Nathaniel Chapin responded to the invitation. It is said 
that two men accompanied him, Uriah Clough and Joel 
Farniun. The experiment was successful in awakening 
an interest, and in '95 the Tolland circuit itinerants from 
Wilbraham came up and supplied statedly. The names of 
these evangelists are preserved ; most prominent were 
Menzies Rayner,^* Lemuel Smith, Zadoc Priest, Daniel 
Ostrander and Laban Clark. At the close of our period, 
however, no organization was existent, and no preaching 
regularly occurring. 

A few incidents occurring during this period are worthy 
of note. In the last month of 1779, two young men, 
Jedediah Paine and Solomon Olds, living in the south-east 
part of the town, started on Saturday to go to Springfield 
on business, driving an ox-team. Delayed at "town" 
until late, when they reached the fording-place at Wal- 
lamanumps, the shadows of night had gathered about the 
stream, rendering the crossing dangerous. They tarried 
until morning; lig-ht, and then availed themselves of its aid 
to accomplish the rest of their journey. But the Sabbath 
law was technically broken, and they had violated it. An 
eye-witness living near the for.d complained of them, car- 
rying the case to the county magistrates at Northampton. 
To this place the young men repaired upon sunmions, 
accompanied by some of their friends. Judgment was 
pronounced against them, they to pay fine and costs. 
John Jennings became surety for them, and they returned 
homeward. It was Christmas day. While coming through 
South Iladley, over the fields, they undertook to cross 
a temporary pond on the new ice, but were so unfortunate 
as to lose their lives in the attempt. There was great 

^^See Stevens's Hist. M. E. Church, p. 200— Mist, ot Wilbraham, p. 247. 



shays' kebelliox. 33 

lamentation in Lucllow over the melancholy event, some 
deeming it a judgment of God. Great indignation was 
felt against the informant, who received half the fees.^^ 
A local bard, Collins Hill, was so inspired by the occur- 
rence that he gave to the world a poem about the affair, 
copies of which exist in printed sheets, and from one we 
take a selection.*^ 

In 1787, came the events of Shays' Rebellion, in which 
Ludlow had her share, furnishing, it is claimed, recruits to 
both sides, though the general imj)ression seems to be that 
the town rather sympathized with the rebellent hosts. 
The track of the Shays part of the malcontents is sup- 
posed to have passed through the town on their way to 
the Springfield fight, and also in their retreat. On their 
passage through South Hadley a Ludlow man, Isaiah Call 
by name, was killed by a chance shot from a house .-^^ The 
others in the Shays forces whose names are preserved, 
going from this town, were Tyrus Pratt, John Jennings 
and Samuel Olds. From local traditions it may be pre- 
sumed the latter did not win many laurels, nor allow the 
grass to grow much under his feet when he returned 
homeward. Shays came into town from Ludlow City and 
down the road, quartering his troops at Fuller's tavern, in 
the West Middle. On his inglorious defeat he retreated 
to Ludlow and thence northward, at a high rate of speed. 
It is said that Ezekiel Fuller joined the forces at the tavern 
and marched as far as Wallamanumps, where his friends 
persuaded him to desert. The pursuant troops sought out 
John Jennings in vain, for on their arrival at his home he 
had found it convenient to make an engagement elsewhere. 

A singular accident occurred about 1794, an account of 



i^An old lady now living, exults in the recollection that two of his children, bom 

afterwards, were fools ! 
i'''See Appendix, D. 
I'His widow's son has died in the town recently, a Mr. Rice. 

5 



34 mSTOKY OF LUJ)J.OW. 

which we obtain from a notice penned soon after. On 
Friday, June 25, David Paine's son, riding on the top of 
a load of four thousand shingles, fell off, and the cart, 
Ijound with cast iron, passed directly over the middle of 
his body. He was taken up for dead, but soon recovered, 
grew to a good old age, and was well known, the late 
Jonathan Paine. 

In 1786, a grandchild of Capt. Joseph Miller Avas run 
over by a cart, this injury terminating fatally, and the 
corpse becoming the first laid in the old yard by the Con- 
gregational church. In the following year his barn was 
burned, and in it a little two-year-old granddaughter. In 
a few months a son of Isaac Brewer was taken away in 
the dawn of manhood, followed soon by his heart-broken 
father. 

The first cemetery was the one near the residence of 
Truman Hubbard. This piece of land was presented by 
Benjamin Sikes, the first in town of that name. There is 
somethino: touchins; in the record of the transaction. 
" Receiv'^ a deed of Gift from M' Benjamin Sikes of a 
Certain piece of land in order to or as a place to bury 
our Dead — voted also that the Thanks of the Town be 
return*^ for the same to the said M"" Sikes for his Benevo- 
lence." A board fence around it was ordered in 1782. 

In 1792, the selectmen were instructed to procure a 
bier and keep it in the meeting-house. In 1794, a com- 
mittee Avas appointed to obtain a deed of another burying 
ground, while seven years after the town thanks Elisha 
Fuller for the cepietery south of the church. 

The earliest reference to education is in 1777, when, in 
troublous times and with an inflated currency, the town 
voted £400 for the support of schools. A little later 
came an appropriation of £20 ($G7), which in 1794 had 
increased to £35 ($117). In 1800, the amount raised 
was $133. The adjustment of school matters seems to 



SCHOOL DISTRICTS. 35 

have been given at first to the selectmen, but not always 
to the liking of the citizens, for in 1788 they vote to ac- 
cept their arrangement of districts, " Except Eight Fami- 
lies East of Cap* Joseph Miller's; and two Families North 
of Zephaniah Rood's." A committee for districting ap- 
pointed the next year did their work successfully. Dis^ 
trict No. 1 included the present 1 and 2, very nearly, No. 
2 was about the same as the present No. 3, No. 3 of that 
da}^ was the Miller Corner of 1875, No. 4 Cherry Valley, 
and No. 5 the existing No. 9. The selectmen were to hire 
the school-masters and maintain six months' schooling in 
Nos. 1 and 3. In 1791, a committee to locate and build 
school-houses were entrusted with ninety pounds for the 
purpose. Their recommendations for location were as 
follows : For the west district, a few rods south of Israel 
Warriner's house, probably at or near the present location ; 
for the middle district, at the north-east corner of Elisha 
Hubbard's fence, on the meeting-house road, near the 
present residence of B. F. Burr, north of the road ; for 
the south district, about twenty-six rods south of Capt. 
Joseph Miller's, at a stake, at the present home of Dwight 
Blackmer ; for the south-east district, twenty rods west 
of David Daniels' barn, north of the highway, and a few 
rods north of the school lot of to-day ; for the north-east 
district, near where the new reservoir road turns from the 
highway, south of the Keuben Sikes place. Mr. Peter 
Damon's land and money for school purposes was joined 
with the south-eastern school in Granby, in 1794. Minor 
changes occurred in the location of school-houses from 
time to time, the principal one being in Miller Corner, 
where the lot now occupied was taken. In 1794, the 
school business passed into the hands of a committee from 
each district. The town appropriated six pounds for a 
singing-school in 1791, and appointed a committee to hire 
a singing-master. 



oCj HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

As occasion required, delegates were appointed to the 
conventions relating to troubles culminating in the Shays 
rebellion ; John Jennings attended the constitutional con- 
vention of 1788 ; the first representation to the State leg- 
islature was in 1785, when Joseph Miller bore the honors. 
A committee of seven were intrusted to instruct him, 
though in what branch of education we have no intima- 
tion. A similar honor was borne by John Jennings in 
1787, his tutors being five in number. 

A pound was erected near Elisha Hubbard's in 1776, 
thirty feet square, which, sixteen years later, had fallen 
into decay. A little later a new one was erected of white 
oak, near Oliver Button's house,^^ and the timber of the 
old sold at vendue. The first reference to guide-boards 
is in 1795, when it needed a committee of nine to erect 
" way-posts." 

We find but little in these days about warning people 
out of town. Parties Avere instructed to take the matter 
into consideration in '90, who three years later made pub- 
lic the names of twelve persons who had signified their 
intention to locate without the town's consent, and who 
must leave within fifteen days. This course was very 
likely taken in order that paupers thus once warned out 
could be thrown upon the State for support. 

The annals of the highways are very defective, so much 
so that they can with the greatest difficulty be traced at 
all. The roads from the present west school-house to 
Ludlow City, and from L. Simonds's to Jenksville, are the 
first mentioned. The old Cherry Valley road through to 
J. P. Hubbard's, but not entirely as now, was laid out in 
1782, and that from J. L. Mann's to W. G. Fuller's in the 
same year. A highway from the east cemeter}'' to Miller 
Corner was projected in 1784, and the same year one 
across Cedar Swamp. The land damages for the piece of 

^"Now Hubbard Duttou's. 



A LINE OF BEAUTY. 37 

road from the Congregational cliureh northward, in 1800, 
were one shiUing per square rod. In 1793, a petition is 
sent the county officers to lay out a road corresponding 
to the route from Collins' Dejiot to Granby, as part of a 
line which shall " commode the travil from the eastern 
part of Connecticut to Dartmouth Colledge in New Hamp- 
shire." 

Respecting the bridges across the Chicopee a word in 
passing may be necessary. It can hardly be presumed 
that the one for which provision is made in the charter,^^ 
was on the Ludlow line. A memorandum of highway 
survey bearing date of 1776 speaks of the north end of a 
bridge which was probably at Wallamanumps. A fuller 
account of the bridges at that point may be found in the 
succeeding chapters. The first at Collins' was erected 
within the memory of living persons. 

Taking in survey the whole of the period we find that 
it was a time of establishment. Across the trackless wild 
of 1774 were marked the lines of travel. The embryo 
neighborhoods of the earlier date had developed into con- 
siderable communities, while other clusters of houses had 
been formed elsewhere. The fertile slopes of the eastern 
base of Mineachogue had been improved by the Daniels's, 
Olds's, and Wrights ; the dense woods along Broad Brook 
above had been invaded and appropriated by the Aldens, 
then nearer than now kindred of John Alden and " Pris- 
cilla, the Puritan maiden ; " and there are not wanting 
those who trace the fairness of many a Ludlow maiden 
back 

" To the damsel Priscilla, the loveliest maiden of Plymouth." 
The Lyons also had commenced a settlement where their 
descendants now live and thrive, while the falls of Walla- 
manumps already had constant admirers in those dwelling 
near by. 

i'-*See p. 15. 



38 HISTORY OF LUDTX)W. 

Initial attempts at manufacturing already had been 
commenced. In the lay of a road we find reference to 
" the saw-mill of Jonathan Burr and Company," after- 
^Yards long known as the McLean privilege, what is left 
of it being now occupied by AVarren D. Fuller. A mill of 
some kind was also in operation in the extreme north part 
of the town, or the " city." At the south-west corner, 
also, there was a saw-mill at this period. 

In municipal affairs, the people seem to have proceeded 
much as others did at the same period, At first, the clerk 
and treasurer w^ere separate officers, but the positions were 
finally vested in one person in 1796, John Jennings then 
wearing the double honor. Tax-collecting^for the year 
seems at one time to have been intrusted to several 
constables, but after a while this mode w^as unsuccess- 
ful. The next method was by two collectors, one for 
the outward and one for the inward commons. For a 
single year, one man undertook the herculean task of col- 
lecting for the whole district. It was probably the cus- 
tom at the warning of some of the earlier town meetings 
for the constables to notify the voters individually, but 
this method became too troublesome, and after a wdiile 
the town resolved to post notices in several stipulated 
places : " the meeting-house and the houses of Joshua Ful- 
ler, Capt. Joseph Miller, Gideon Beebe, Benjamin Sikes, 
and Joel Nash's mill." 

At the close of the period the deer and wolves and 
bears must have been mostly driven away, but for a while 
they were doubtless frequent. It is said that when the 
first Lumbard was one day in the neighborhood of where 
Lyman Graves now lives, he found a large bear and two 
cubs. Killing one of the cubs, the old bear pursued him, 
driving him to a well-known precipitous rock near by, on 
w'hich he took refuge. Foiled in her attempt to avenge 
the death of her young, she kept guard on the place 



EELICS. 39 

nearly a whole night, springing frequently from the ground 
up the sides of the rock. Wolves were seen close by the 
present residence of Ambrose Clough. But such days 
passed away, and wdth them the beasts which infested the 
region. 

As relics of these days are shown at the present time a 
shoe W'Orn by Capt. Miller's grandchildren, and a shell 
used for calling together the " men-folks," w^hose resonant 
sounds (those of the shell, not of the men-folks) are said 
to have been heard three full miles when blown at the 
brink of the Chicopee. 

• Passing these interesting reminiscences of this period, 
let us turn our attention next to events a little later, re- 
luctantly leaving the tentative days of the grandsires for 
transactions occurring during the lives of the sires of our 
present citizens. In the last decade of the century all 
the districts received the full privileges of towns — a fit- 
ting transition from older to newer days. 



SECTION III. 

1800 TO 1828. 

ECCLESIASTICAL ERA THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE 

CHURCHES. 

Source of civil institutions — Religion in the town in 1800 — The con- 
troversy — A summary proceeding — Suggestive epistle — Exit Mr. 
Steward — Thurber— Phelps — Union efforts — Hedding — His min- 
istry — His sacrifice — A new comer — Fast-day services — Alexan- 
der McLean— Difficulty— Moody — Johns — E. B. Wright— Sketch 
— Acceptance of call — Ministr}'^ — Methodism in 1802 — Itinerants 
— A class — How it died — Later efforts — Dr. Fisk — Isaac Jenni- 
son — Church built — Repairs on old church — The store — Cemeter- 
ies — The first hearse — Improvements — A dastardly proposition — 
War of 1812— Muster at Hadley— The Horse Company— The 
men of 1812 — Desertions — Almost an execution — A souvenir — 
Schools — Districts — Musical — Log-cabins — Political — Post-office 
— Wages — Potato crops — A scare — Another scare — Frost's corn 
— David Paine's death — The Annibal excitement — Theories con- 
cerning it — A sequel — '' Nick and Tarz}^ " — Town bounds — Pub- 
lic lands — Roads — Bridges — Succession of bridges at Wallama- 
numps — Put's bridge — Cooley bridge — The camels — The present 
Put's bridge — Calkins' manufactures — Other enterprises — A still 
— Glass works — AVallamanumps privilege — Putnam's scythes — 
The Jenckes's — The Springfield Manufacturing Co. — Develop- 
ment of the village. 

The dependence of our civil upon our ecclesiastical in- 
stitutions must always, in the final argument, be conceded. 
While some may point to the successes of social institu- 
tions and municipalities when freed from their primal or 
forced association with religious theses or observances, the 
candid inquirer will find himself faced by the fact that the 



SOURCE OF CIVIL IXSTITUTIOJfS. 41 

ecclesiastical invariably gives birth to the civil. In our ma- 
turer times the church and state may thrive best without 
formal interdependence ; but that very maturity to which 
we may have arrived, really or seemingly, has developed 
from the incipient supremacy of the church. Governmen- 
tal laws and social restrictions, educational advantages and 
commercial facilities, are traceable, surely and directly, to 
the wholesome religious belief and usages of ancestral wor- 
thies. Well indeed is it for our generation and those to 
come, if we concede this principle. The state grows up 
under the foster care and nurture of the church, finally to 
go forth at its majority fully prepared for its mission. 
Let not the child forget its nativity. We deem it no 
object to seek some artificial title for the period we 
enter. The establishment of the churches is an import- 
ant epoch. 

It will have been observed that the earlier ecclesiastical 
references have left the religious affairs of the town in a 
state of experiment. The Methodist itinerants, flying 
evangels, have left their pointed message and sped aw'ay, 
with no apparent lasting results. The little handful of 
Baptists in the east part of the town have gone regularly 
to their Bethel southward, but extend their influence 
through an area very limited. The Congregationalists 
have, it is true, a feeble organization in 1800, and a min- 
ister of their order settled over the town ; but we have seen 
how small were their actual numbers arid how dissatisfied 
they were all becoming with their minister, who, though 
learned and eloquent and pious, must have failed to com- 
mend himseK to Calvinists of the Saybrook or Westmin- 
ster schools. We shall see two of these three classes of 
believers in the town thoroughly organized into successful 
and useful churches before we lose sight of the period 
whose outlook is before us. 

Resuming the controversy 'over Mr. Steward where we 
6 



42 IIISTOIIY OF LUDLOW. 

left it in 1800, the people seem still in earnest about the 
cessation of his labors in the town.^ The next movement 
appears to have been made by the friends of the pastor, 
asking in 1801 for a reconsideration of the action just be- 
fore taken, but the movement failed in securing a])proval 
of the town, at least openly. Some sort of a truce must 
have been made, however, for the incumbent is still here 
in October, and foils by his influence, evidently, a move- 
ment of the opposition " to hire a candidate to preach the 
gospel." The "ins" are almost always better than the 
"outs," and possession gave tenure another year, when 
again the warrant bristled with the notes of war. The 
presence of even an errant presiding elder would have 
been welcome, doubtless, for things have come to such a 
pass that the town fathers feel constrained to try a desper- 
ate alternative, even "to see what the town will do rela- 
tive to the Continuance of the Eev'^ Antipas Steward 
among us in the manner in which he stays at present, and 
to take such measures as shall be thought proper to Cause 
M"" Steward to be Dismissed from any further care of the 
Church and People in said town." They have stripped 
from him his revenues, but an insatiate crowd demand 
also his mitre, and go so far as " to choose a Committee of 
live members to join a Committee of the Church or any 
part thereof, to take the most effectual measures to re- 
move M"" Antipas Steward from the Church and People in 
this town." Two days later the troubled minister re- 
ceived a suggestive note which has been preserved : 

"To tlie Rev"'' Antiims Steward, Pastor of the Clih in Ludlow. 

Rev. Sir 

Whereas tlie Situation of the Pastor and Church in this place 
is such as we Suppose need advice and counsel this is to Request you 
to call a meeting of the Church to see if the pastor chh and town can 

iSee p. 3L 



CHURCH AND STATE. 43 

agree upon a mntuall council to advise and direct us what is expedient 

to be done in our present circumstances 
Ludlow, Dec"' y* 8, 1802. 

Timothy Keyes 
Tyras Pratt 
Jamks Kendall 
Elisha Hubbard 
Stephen" Jones 
Moses Wilder 
Leonard Miller." 

The town committee was thus reinforced by Messrs. 
Keyes, Pratt, Jones, Wilder, and Miller, probably from 
the church, while John Jennings, Aaron Colton, and Tim- 
othy Nash, appointed, for some reason withheld their sig- 
natures. Of course there was little use to resist such an 
appeal, and the council met in due time and dismissed 
Mr. Steward in 1803, a little less than ten years from the 
date of his installation.^ 

The Ludlow Israel seems to have tired of a king for a 
season, for we hear of no attempts at settlement or prop- 
ositions for protracted service for half a score of years. 
Rev. Laban Thurber,^ over whose later career a cloud un- 
fortunately rested, supplied a while in 1805 and 1806, and 
Abner Phelps in 1808, the latter to "preach out" the 
town grant of one hundred dollars, w hich he evidently 
did to the satisfaction of some. The amount allowed 
about this time was not to exceed five dollars per Sabbath 
— not a severe restriction either, as monev was valued 
then. A reluctance to grant money for the support of the 
gospel is evident very soon, no doubt largely influenced 
by the primal sounds of the cry for the dissolution of 
church and state. We shall see that the influence of the 
teachings of New England dissenters w^as beginning to be 
felt, even in Ludlow, as early as 1810. A committee of • 

^See Mr. Tuck's account of the proposed tests, Note VI. 
^A Baptist. 



44 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

tAvo from each religious denomination was allowed to sup- 
ply preaching in that year, Deacon Stephen Jones and 
William Pease representing the Congregational claims, 
" Master " Samuel Frost and Uriah Clough the ^lethodist, 
and Ezekiel Fuller and Abel Wright the Baptist, but with 
no appropriation. 

A singular state of things comes next to our view, in 
glancing at the History of Congregationalism. For years 
its people will welcome to their homes and hearts Method- 
ist clergymen. 

In 1810, or in the succeeding year, came " Elder Elijah 
Hedding" to Ludlow. Appointed to the New London dis- 
trict as presiding elder, he found it desirable to move from 
his itinerant's home at Winchester, N. H., to some conven- 
ient point in the central part of the field assigned. The 
feebleness of the denomination in New England at the time 
is evident from the fact that Mr. Hedding selected Ludlow 
as his home. His oversight reached from New Hampshire 
line to Long Island Sound, from Needham to the ridge of 
the Green Mountains. Finding the ecclesiastical affairs 
in so lamentable a condition in the town of his adoption, 
he set himself to remedy the same. Paying no attention 
to the unsuccessful designs of some to oust him from the 
town by proposing to have bin; warned out as having "no 
visible means of support," the good minister accepted an 
invitation to preach in the meeting-house on a Sabbath 
when he was home. Gaining the good-will of the people, 
he supplied another Sabbath when at liberty, as his district 
work occupied his time but eight Sabbaths in a quarter. 
A very satisfactory arrangement was finally made whereby 
Mr. Hedding supplied the desk every Sabbath at his com- 
mand, fdling up some of the rest with the services of a 
talented local preacher, Joshua Crowell of Ware. Under 
this administration prejudices were disarmed very speedily, 
and all brought into sympathy with the minister thus 



HEDDIXG MCLEAN. 45 

uniquely combining the duties of presiding elder in the 
Methodist church and stated supply in the Congregation- 
alist. 

This arrano-ement lasted as lono; as Mr. Heddino; lived 
in town — a year. The friendship between the minister 
and the people was of the warmest kind. His pure life 
and godly sermons told in spiritual effect. The conference 
session drew near, and with it the limitation of Mr. Hed- 
ding's agreement. The people were suited, desired him 
to stay, asked him to stay. It was a trial to him. On 
the one hand were home and ample support, a satisfied 
and loving people — on the other, a life of wandering, with 
all the uncertainties and privations of the earlier itiner- 
ancy. Yet he did not waver, but took his next charge 
without murmuring. 

In 1813 the war was raging against Great Britain, and 
the people were in a state of excitement. All on the sea- 
coast became nervous, and flocked to the inland regions in 
troops. Among these refugees from the dangers of the 
war with England was a small, bright-eyed man from 
Provincetown, on Cape Cod, who strayed into Ludlow 
in the Fall. After severe defeats in the north-west, 
President Madison issued a proclamation for a day of fast- 
ing. It so happened that the Provincetown stranger 
arrived here at just about the day appointed for the fast 
service. He inquired for a meeting, and was told that 
there was no minister in the town and no service had 
been appointed. He replied that he was a clergyman, and 
would be pleased to conduct worship if the people so de- 
sired. They gladly accepted the proposition, gathered 
together and listened to a flaming sermon from a Metho- 
dist local preacher on the fitting text : " The people of 
Nineveh believed God and proclaimed a fast." Among 
other good things he hoped that in the company there 
were "no immoderate eaters and drinkers, no gluttons 



46 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

or wine-bibbers." Such was the advent of Alexander 
McLean into Ludlow. 

So pleased were the people with the sermon and the 
man, that arrangements were at once made for a trial ser- 
vice of four weeks as minister. The towns-folks then 
insisted that Mr. McLean should be hired for a year, and 
he was engaged. Ludlow was henceforth his home. 
His fac simile is here presented : 

Under his administration, continued until 1816, matters 
went on quite smoothly, at least for a while. True, there 
were some who objected to the idea of a settled Methodist 
preacher, but as the town managed the ecclesiastical affairs, 
there was little room for objection. The causes of disquiet 
are easily surmised. 

In 1814 there was a great mortality in the town, num- 
bers of homes being made desolate. Under the ministra- 
tions of evangelists and Mr. McLean a powerful awakening 
followed, " more extensive," says our informant, " than 
ever was known in the town before." Large numbers 
professed a hope in God. Of course a question of church 
relationship arose. Intimately associated with this was 
another. Mr. McLean was not, according to existent 
church rules, competent to administer the ordinances of 
baptism and the Lord's supper. Wordy altercations 
between the parties followed, which were resultful in 
alienation of feeling. The Congregationalists signed a 
declaration of church relationship, and would no longer 
atliliate with the town's minister. In 1817 his official 
services seem to have terminated. Later in the year the 
town again authorizes the three denominations to furnish 
the pulpit supply, but with the proviso that the money 
should be expended within the meeting-house. An un- 



REV. E. B. WRIGHT. 47 

successful attempt to press a call to Mr. Eli Moody indicates 
the presence of that gentleman a little after, while vet- 
erans speak with animation of frequent supply from Rev. 
Mr. Johns of South Hadley. In 1819, the society and 
town unite in callins; one destined to bear a leadino- share 
in the doings of the town for^early a score of years. 

Rev. Ebenezer Burt Wright was born in Westhampton, 
and graduated at Williams College in 1814. He pursued 
theological studies at Andover, was licensed by the Salem 
Association at Danvers, April, 1817. He was a young 
man, full of fire and zeal, having a profound conviction of 
duty and a lofty reverence for his exalted office, when he 
came as a candidate to Ludlow. The people were pleased 
with him, and extended a call, which, after earnest and 
prayerful consideration, he accepted in fitting terms. The 
character of the man, perhaps, could not be better shown 
than by excerpta from his letter of compliance. " I regret 
the disappointment that I may have occasioned by delay- 
ing my decision so long ; but in a case of so great conse- 
quence I could not presume. * * * My doubts are at 
length chiefly removed. There is a God who reigns. I 
have endeavored to ascertain His will ; and I dare not 
proceed contrary to what His will appears to me to be. 
* * * I hope God designs to make me (unworthy as I 
am) an instrument of building up the kingdom of His Son 
in this place ; most cheerfully do I devote myself to a 
people in w^hose welfare I feel much interest. For you I 
trust I shall heartily labor, and permit me to expect that 
my labors will be constantly assisted by your fervent 
prayers." He was ordained pastor, December 8, 1819. 

The influence of such a man in the town could not fail 
to be salutary in the highest degree. The little band of 
church memljers, reduced to about half a dozen when Mr. 
Steward left, had been, to be sure, increased by revival 
influences and accessions from other towns. Yet, with no 



48 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

organizer and leader, healthy growth was almost impossible. 
Mr. Wright's ministry was well qualified to induce confi- 
dence in the society — not only mutual confidence among 
his own people, but a feeling of respect on part of the 
scattering numbers of Baptists and slowly increasing 
company of Methodists, as nvell as outsiders. When the 
town has at length commenced the process of divorcement 
from the church, we see from year to year the records of 
the clerk referring, probably in accordance with the 
verbiage of the day, and yet with real or fancied fondness, 
to "Rev. E. B. Wright's society." 

The life and career of Mr. Wright is within the memory 
of many living, some of the chief actors in the events of 
his ministry in Ludlow being still upon the stage of action. 
We have not the liberty of so freely dilating upon trans- 
actions so recent. His friends should lay away references 
to the pastorate and pen down reminiscences for future 
annalists. No one ever questioned his sincerity or purity. 
The Wilbraham historian appreciatingly speaks of " that 
saintly man, Ebenezer B. Wright."^ On two occasions,^ 
having been made acquainted with the real or imaginary 
weakened financial ability of the town, he relinquished a 
hundred dollars of his salary. Ilis honesty was proverbial 
— at times almost leaning to credulity. 

Over his life there seems to have come a shade of sor- 
row. It is not for us to judge where responsibility rests 
or rested. The story is simple enough, when stripped of 
its explanations. He was human, and, not unlike others" 
of his race, was charmed by the attractions of a worthy 
lady in the parish, but one upon whom smile of wealth 
and rank in position had not rested. There were objec- 
tions presented by well-meaning persons, very likely 
pressed beyond judicious limits. His mind was fixed upon 

*Stebbin«' History, p. 150. 
61823 and 1827. 




($ /^. 52^<r-^.;gC^ 



KEY. E. B. WKinilT. 

MiMSTKR OF JllE T(AVN loll SlXi'EKN YKARS. 



METHODISM. 49 

the alliance, and, baffled, finally reeled and tottered. 
Borne aAvay to the care of skilled persons for a while, he 
recovered and returned, but he returned to celebrate the 
intended nuptials. The marital life was one of great hap- 
23iness. 

Under the administration of Mr. Wright the Society 
thus obtained that strength and position which has been 
continued to the |)resent day. Let us noAv glance at the 
history of Methodism during the same period. 

It will be remembered that w^e left the interests of 
Methodism at a very low state in 1800.'' The itinerants 
had abandoned the field and left little to remind of labors 
there save the good seed sowed, which, to all appearances, 
was buried deeply. But those old itinerants knew no 
such word as fail, and soon resumed labors in Ludlow. 
Li 1801, probably on invitation of " Master " Frost, the 
preachers were again invited here, and successfully. 
Meanwhile the new cause had received accessions. In the 
Fall of 1801 David Orcutt, perhaps the first class-leader 
in the town, removed hither, and for seven years at least 
meetings were held at Samuel Frost's. The circuit 
preacher wdio organized the class was Henry Fames, and 
March 29, 1802, was the date of founding. There were 
about a dozen members. Augustus Jocel}^, the next cir- 
cuit preacher, established a Sabbath appointment in Lud- 
low and spent a considerable portion of his time here. 

In August, 1802, occurred a notable event in the his- 
tory of the movement — what is now remembered as an 
"old-fashioned quarterly meeting." The place appointed, 
of course the house of Samuel Frost,' being too small was 
enlarged for the occasion by the addition of a rude shed, 
covered with brush and tree branches. Preparations com- 
plete, an audience was not wanting, for crowds assembled. 

•^See page 32. 

■"Now the Kellogg place, near Eaton"? mills. 



50 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

A large delegation from the towns around, even as far as 
East Hartford and Granville and Pomfret, came to the 
place of rendezvous. The towns-people, of course, were 
out in force to see the first real demonstration here of 
what some have been pleased to term ''Christianity in 
earnest." A sermon by the presiding elder, Daniel 
Ostrander, perhaps his grandest effort, made the occasion 
memorable to all. From this time to 1808 there were 
maintained services, private and public,^ without much 
omission. Among the preachers were Gove, Tucker, 
Sampson, Norris and Lambord. There was rather de- 
crease than otherwise in the latter part of the time 
mentioned, until finally the class was discontinued by 
Lambord. Uriah Clougli, however, gathered together the 
remnants of the organization into another class after a 
little dela}^ 

This class seems to have lasted durino; half a score of 
years at least. Of course no demonstrations towards a 
pulpit supply were made during the labors of Heddiug 
and McLean. Yet during the ministry of the latter he 
seems to have encouraged the visits of Methodist preach- 
ers, who often, we are told, spoke in the old meeting- 
house. Quarterl}^ meetings Avere held in the edifice, and 
a local preachers' conference once occurred there. He 
also reorganized the West Middle class on a more perma- 
nent basis. 

After 1810 there was little done by the Methodists for 
a number of years. Occasional preaching services oc- 
curred through the town, and the social meetings were 
more or less faithfully attended. Yet there was little 
accomplished save by the agitation of the Arminian 
tenets and preparation for future successes.^ The class 

^There was awliile i)reachiiig services in two places in town. 

^At about \S'20 tlie opponents of tlie parisli tax law formed an orjianization under 
tlie name of the " Methodist Legal Society," with McLean as nominal pastor. 



REY. WILBUR FISK. 51 

was almost defunct in 1825, when aid came from an un- 
expected quarter. 

. The earher itinerants were not men of eminent scho- 
lastic attainments, and hence found themselves at a disad- 
vantage when before many of the New England people. 
And yet their natural qualifications were not to be de- 
spised, while the experience gained in their peculiar work 
was better for them than a collegiate education. Still 
advantage Avould frequently be taken of their lack of 
specific education by pedantic clergymen of the standing 
order. Not always did the itinerant come out second 
best, even in these encounters. The anecdote of Jesse 
Lee is illustrative of this. An Orthodox minister ad- 
dressing him in Greek, he replied in Low Dutch, much to 
the discomfiture of his antagonist, who supposed the 
response was in Hebrew. When however a graduate of 
Brown University went into the Methodist itinerancy the 
new movement received dignity not before obtained this 
side the sea. 

Such were the facts with reference to Wilbur Fisk and 
his relations to Methodism. As he took the school re- 
cently established in the northern wilds of Newmarket 
and transplanted it to the neigliboring town of Wilbra- 
ham, scarcely less undeveloped, the people of the standing 
order looked on Avith at least respect. And when this 
same Wilbur Fisk, as pious as learned, as earnest in mis- 
sion work as in founding schools, of rare eloquence and 
rarer earnestness, left his classes behind and rode up 
into Ludlow to preach the gospel to handfuls of people, 
the populace began to understand that Methodism had 
come to town to make its abode here. 

Dr. Fisk Avas not long; in Avinnino; the confidence and 
attention of those Avho Avere Avilling to convene at the 
residence of Rev. Alexander McLean^° to listen to his 

I'Tlic present home of Josliua Clark. 



52 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

earnest proclamation of the gospel truth. Soon there 
was a harvest of souls and a demand for organization into 
a church. In a few months Mr. Fisk, through Mr. 
McLean, caused letters missive to be sent through the 
town, inviting the Methodists and all favorable to the en- 
terprise, to meet at the house of Zera Fuller^^ on the 
afternoon of February 5, 1827, to consult Avith reference 
to "erecting a house for the Public Worship of God, to be 
located as near the center of the M. E. Society in this 
town as possible. "^^ Soon everything was under way. 
Captain Joseph Miller furnished the timber. Rev. Isaac 
Jennison, preacher, architect and boss-carpenter, went 
with the old gentleman and his little grandson, (now Dr. 
Wni. B. Miller of Springfield,) to select the tall straight 
pines for the sills and j)osts and plates. They were gath- 
ered from the forest near Wood's pond, where Sylvester 
Miller, now lingering with us, cut down the first tree 
marked. McLean wjis a valuable and persistent worker 
in the enterprise, soliciting funds and labor and material 
the whole town over. Few, if any, were slighted in 
those invitations. The axe and adze were made to fly, 
(by none more dexterously than by Parson Jennison,) the 
patient oxen and sturdy drivers conducted the logs to the 
mill and soon the hand of Jennison had framed the mas- 
sive timbers. The crowd who came to that raising saw 
every stick take its place in order, every mortise receiv- 
ing its tenon to the very shoulder, every trunnion going 
home tightly, and no rum to help either, thanks to the 
advance in temperance principles in haK a centur}-.^^ At 
last the work was done and the place ready for the dedi- 
cation, which occurred, probably, July 5, 1828. The size 
was 40 by 50 feet. 

"Where A. J. Cliapiii now lives. 

i2We take our extract from tlie letter to Elias Frost, son of Samuel, ever a warm 
friend to the cause, wliose name to-day is "as ointment poured forth " 
i^See Historical Address, account of raising tiie ciiurch. 



EXTRAVAGANT INNOVATIONS. 53 

Methodism was now fairl}^ established in the town. 
Jennison and Noah Perrin supplied the charge that year, 
while a new minister was appointed to preach after the 
dedication. 

We will glance at other interests in the town before 
closing the record of this ecclesiastical era. 

There are few especial references to the other church 
edifice. It seems to have been serving its day and gener- 
ation, gradually succumbing to wind and weather, and 
occasionally pressing a claim for repairs, with infrequent 
success. Used as meeting-house in a municipal as well as 
religious sense, it had every opportunity for a display of 
its excellencies or its defects. In 1805 there is record of 
a loud call for glass in the windows and for wooden steps 
up which the worthies might climb on their entrance 
to the sanctuary, nor was the cry disregarded. The 
people could not have been over-nice in their archi- 
tectural demands, for they abide in patience a brace of 
decades. Then the pent-up longings of years burst forth 
wildly as demands began to be made. The honest 
sashes again demanded glass, the wooden stej)s, probably 
never painted, had rotted away, while some who had 
found necessity for an umbrella in church, averred to the 
astonished managers that the roof needed patching; 
Avhereat there were orders at solemn conclave that meas- 
ures should be taken to stop the "leaks in the roof, if 
there be any." Individuals were to be allowed to paint 
the liouse and put step-stones in front. Deacon S. Jones 
passed a paper around for the purpose, and obtained 
$146.32, of which sum $25 was given by the " Spring- 
field Manufacturing Company." One year later, these 
improvements having been consummated, the town had 
the daring to allow a committee of three, (who must be 
immortalized — they were Benjamin Jenks, John Moody, 
Eliphal Booth,) to put in a stove, at the expense of indi- 



54 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

vitliiiils. TliL' horse-sheds date back to 1814, notwith- 
standin^r the sunilarity of some to the present condition 
of the tower of BaljcL Parties erecting them bid for 
choice of lot, under direction of the selectmen. 

From tlie house of God to the resting-place of the dead 
is a frequented path. There are sufhcicnt references to 
the places of burial to assure us that these busy scenes 
were often interrupted by the service funereal. It be- 
came necessary in 1805 to fence with post and rails and 
half-wall the yard by the church. A dozen years later 
the people meet to "spell" in repairing the fence. In 
1823 the town appropriates thirty dollars for a hearse. 
Before this time the dead were borne on biers to the 
grave, a journe}' of miles on foot being often required. 
Men are living who have aided in conveying a corpse in 
this manner from the extreme Avest to the cemetery near 
the center. In 1825 the fences of both yards need re- 
pairs. Simeon Pease, the wit of the town, bid oft" the 
repairs of the center yard at the siun of live cents, evi- 
dently to postpone the work until the town would do it 
with thoroughness. In a few weeks he became one of 
a committee to build a thorough half-v\'all fence, with 
sawed posts and rails above. Great excitement was 
caused about this time by a proposition to move all the 
bodies' interred in this yard, the proposition being scorn- 
fully rejected — how wisely is not evident. A hearse- 
house was erected in 1827. 

It is singular that the war of 1812 should have passed 
with no occasion for record on the town books. Let no 
one, however, question the loyalty of Ludlow. Military 
organizations had existed in town for a long time, proba- 
bly for most of the period of organization. In 1808 a 
goodly number went to a general muster at Old Hadley, 
occurring September 28, but were unsuccessful in getting 
their expenses paid by the town. The famous Horse Com- 



WAR OF 1812. 55 

panv Avns formed in 1802 from recruits of four towns, 
Springfield, Longmeadow and AVilbraliam joining Ludlow. 
The place of drill and muster was usualty the Five Mile 
House, east of Springlield village. The captain was a Long- 
meadow man, Colton or Flint, perhaps both, at differ- 
ent times. The Ludlow names were as follows: Adin 
Parsons (lieutenant). Gains Clough, Mordecai Clough, War- 
ren Hubbard, Erastus Munger, Daniel Miller, Sylvester 
Miller, Francis Nash, Jidius Nash, Asahel Eood and Mar- 
tin Smith. The full number in the company was about 
forty. When the war of 1812 broke out, this company 
was in fine order. It is related of them that they Avere 
at a drill during the jenr at their usual mustering 
grounds one day, when the captain formed them into line 
and requested all who would volunteer as minute men for 
the national service to march forward so many paces. 
Not a man started in obedience to the sudden request, 
until the captain himself advanced to the assigned j^lace. 
Then a large number of the company followed his exam- 
ple, among whom were all the Ludlow men but two, and 
of those one furnished a substitute. The names of those 
from the town actually participating in the service during 
the war were as follows : 

Hexry Ackes, Bea'jamtx Aixsworth, 

GiDKox CoTTox, Lemuel Gardiner, 

Samuel Gates," John Howard, 

Chester Kendall, Eeuben Parsons, 

Amos Root, Veuanus Shattuck, 

Charles F. Wood, Gordon B. Wood, 
Harvey Wood. 

< Facts are facts, and it must be recorded that two of 
these men deserted from the ranks and concealed them- 
selves at their home. One narrowly escaped capture by 
concealment for days inside a large stone chimney then 

"Substitiue for Selali Kendall, drafted. 



56 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

stanclino; in tlie south-west part of the town, and bv a 
kindly ^varning from a female friend who knew officers 
were on his trail. The other was not as fortunate. Tak- 
en prisoner, he was court-martialed and sentenced to be 
shot. The coffin was produced and he bound and made 
to kneel upon it. The soldiers drawn up to execute the 
rigorous military law included his own brother-in-law. 
But just as the fatal shot was about to send him to eter- 
nity a reprieve was granted and a pardon eventually ob- 
tained, through the instrumentality of a Lieutenant Clary 
of Springfield. 

Among the souvenirs of these days of war is a revenue 
receipt for payment by Benjamin Sikes of a tax of one 
dollar " for and upon a 4 wheel carriage called a waggon 
and the harness used therefor owned by him." 

In school matters there seems to have been progress. 
The appropriation of $150 in 1801 was lessened only one 
year, while it increased fifty dollars occasionally until in 
1828 it had become $400. Generally there were only 
prudential committees to manage the affairs, until 1827, 
when an examining committee was added. This seems to 
have been the ])eriod of the formation of school districts. 
To be sure, at its very beginning (1802) the south and 
south-east districts found it profitable to unite. It 
seems that there was an early district arrangement in 
that part of the town for all to attend at the house east 
of the present No. 9 district building. Afterward the 
Miller Corner people clamored for a change of location, 
and secured a district organization. The coalition of 1802 
was another victory for Miller Corner. The Alden dis- 
trict was set off in 1808, the Center in 1809, AVallama- 
numps in 1814, and the Lyon in 1822. The south-east 
people made another effort in 1818 and secured again a 
distinctive district existence. The first reference to West 
^liddlc is dated 1822. Leave was given in 1805 to move 



THE PEOPLE OF THE PERIOD. 57 

the Middle school-house near to the pound, a location 
close b}^ J. P. Hubbard's. 

Of the people of these times we need say but little, 
because oiu' annals must become more and more mere 
recitals of facts as we approach the present. A charac- 
teristic sketch or two of life at the time, however, may not 
be out of place. The muse of song was still courted. In 
1804 the town magnanimously appropriated twenty-five 
dollars " to the present singers, on condition they sing 
well and still continue to sing to the Edification of the 
Inhabitants of s'^ Town," and two years after a committee 
was again empowered to hire a singing-master. Many a 
family lived in a log cabin, the older inhabitants remem- 
bering such establishments in various parts of the town.^° 
The voters seem to have indulged in all the privileges of 
American citizenship. At one time they solemnly and 
with full assurance " voted that James Bowdoin, Esq., be 
governor." In 1812 the County of Hampden was formed, 
a great convenience to Ludlow people, whose distance to 
the county seat was lessened one-half. Another conven- 
ience was the post-office at Put's Bridge, established not 
far from 1815. The mail route for a while was through 
the town from north to south, a cavalier with drawn pis- 
tol carrying the precious bag. As illustrations of wages 
paid and the value of work we cite allowances for highw^ay 
labor in 1841 as sixty-seven cents per day in the Spring and 
fifty in the Fall. Ezekiel Fuller cut his logs, paid two dol- 
lars a thousand for sawing at the mill, drew the stuff to 
Willimansett, and sold it, nice yellow pine, for two dollars 
and a half per thousand. As late as 1820 good potatoes 
brought ten cents a bushel. A curious idea of the extent 
of the earlier crops of this esculent may be gained from 



i-^One stood near the Norman Lyon house, one on " Stallion Hill," near Miss 
Mary Lyon's, anutlier opposite Loren Wood's, another in the extreme south-east 
part of Ludlow. 



58 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

the fact that one man who had half a hogshead and an- 
other showing a crop of four barrels were the wonder of 
the town. There was a genuine small-pox scare in 1810, 
a committee being appointed to introduce the inoculation 
of the cow-pox. Among the minor incidents related is 
one of Elisha Fuller, who, journeying westward with his 
3-oung son riarr}^, met a personage so peculiar that it 
occurred to his mind the stranger was the incarnation of 
his Satanic majesty, yet who proved to be the eccentric 
Lorenzo Dow, who the night before had preached at 
"Master" Frost's. This same Samuel Frost Avas a very 
liberal man, who would give freely of his means to sup- 
port the traveling itinerants. Parties remonstrating at 
his prodigality, he retorted that he could raise "Methodist 
ears of corn" as long as his arm. McLean is said to have 
added a story to his height at one time, while preaching 
"over east," by standing upon a half-bushel measure. 

Among the casualties of the time was the death of the 
veteran David Paine, who was found, Juh^ 2, 1807, dead, 
at the foot of Burying-Ground Hill, in sight of his home, 
having fallen beneath his cart on returning from mill, and 
perished from the crushing by the wheel. 

But the most thrilling incident is that concerning the 
supposed Annibal rriurder. "In the year 1817, a man 
named John xVnnibal went from Belchertown to Connec- 
ticut to peddle wagons for Filer. On his return he was 
seen to enter Ludlow about sundown. Afterward his 
horse, with bridle cut, was seen in Granby, near Asa 
Pease's house. His portmanteau and saddle were found 
near Ezekiel Fuller's, and blood was discovered in the 
road between these two points. Great excitement pre- 
vailed, as every one thought he had been robbed and 
murdered. An old Avoman who pretended to tell for- 
times was consulted. She said he was murdered hy a 
man with but one eye, living where three roads met, in 



I THE ANXIBAL STOKY. 59 

a gambrel-roofecl house. The house which answered the 
description was searched in the absence of the family — 
the door-steps were removed and a large excavation made 
underneath them, but not the slightest trace of the miss- 
ing man was found. The owner of the house was then 
searched as he was returning to his home, but no money 
discovered about him. Then a pond was drained near 
the house of George Clark. In draining the pond it was 
necessar}^ in one point to dig twenty-five feet deep. 
While the work of digging was going forward, camp-fires 
were kept around the pond and sentinels with loaded 
muskets guarded the spot. When the ditch Avas com- 
pleted, on Sabbath day, the water was drawn off and a 
thousand people were supposed to be present ; while a 
line of men reaching from one side of the pond to the 
other, holding each other's hands, waded through the 
soft mud. The pond covered nearly an acre of ground. 
No trace was found of the object desired. Search was 
then instituted in a smaller pond near by, the water being 
carried over the hill in pails. This effort also proved 
fruitless. Many then began to adopt another theory 
than that of murder. His brother, who had been here 
and joined in the search for two days, said his business 
was such he could not jDOssibly remain, and returned to 
his home. It was afterward learned that he had debts 
which he did not wish to pay, also that his marital rela- 
tions were not the happiest. Some suggested that he 
might have sj)ied a chance to kill two birds with one 
stone. "^'^ A possible sequel to this account was the find- 
ing of a skull years later at one of the points where 
suspicion had rested. 

Nearly as melancholy was the story of "Nick and 
Tarzy." They were very worthy people, were Nicholas 
Daniels of Ludlow and Thirza Olds of Belchertown. Un- 

I'^lTrom Dea. Geo. K. Clark's descriptLon of the atfkir. 



60 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

like the doctor who died in our town, they never " expe- 
rienced the sweets of connubial bhss." And yet they 
thought of these things, did Nick and Tarzy, and very 
hkely blended their thoughts in joyous outlook. For 
well-nigh two-score years they fondly anticipated a day 
which should make an epoch. The day never came. At 
last Nick made his final visit to Tarzy. Whether hope 
deferred or love or a cold made his heart or his body sick 
" deponent saith not;" but he was cut down in the height 
of anticipative bliss, and buried from her home. Need we 
wonder that even the voluble McLean found his vocabulary 
straitened when he undertook at the service to address 
Thirza with words of consolation ? Into the conversation 
current of a generation has passed the expression, " Court- 
ing as long as Nick and Tarzy." 

A few words on those matters intimately connected 
with the town's business may be expected. The bounds 
were changed in 1805 so as to include a large slice of 
Springfield, from the mouth of Higher Brook northward 
to the South Hadley line. In 1813 this had evidently 
been returned to its former association. There are fre- 
quent references to public lands, made a part of the town's 
property in the ancient allotment. This land was sold in 
1802, for a sum of money which became a ministerial 
fund, a source of much trouble in later days, as we shall 
soon discover. "The town seems to have been fortunate 
in rarely finding occasion to go before the law, either as 
complainant or defendant. The presence of a representa- 
tive at the General Court was generally secured. Occa- 
sionally projierty seems to have come into the hands of 
the town for safe management. 

There was some attention paid to roads during the pe- 
riod. Nearly every highway east of the mountain was 
either laid out or re-laid before 1811; a different course 

i^See section IV. 



KOADS AND BRIDGES. 61 

was marked out and worked from J. P. Hubbard's to the 
Center post-office, in 1803, involving the first construc- 
tion of the terrible Cedar Swamp causeway, so long an 
eye-sore to exasperated towns-people and bewildered se- 
lectmen. In 1817 was established the highway from Joy's 
store to Plumley's, to accommodate, it is said, travel from 
the Jenksville to the Three Rivers factories. A year later 
somebod}^ called down the wrath of the county commis- 
sioners on the principal north and south roads through the 
town, resulting in general repairs and re-location of the 
Put's Bridge and Belchertown and Collins' and Granby 
routes. In 1826 we find one of the earlier movements 
toward a money system of repairing the highways. 

This was the era of bridge-building at Wallamanumps. 
Before the opening of the century only the most inex- 
pensive modes of crossing the Chicopee were employed. 
There were " riding places " or fords at Wallamanumps 
and where now Collins' bridge spans the stream. As early 
as '81 a committee from Ludlow was to meet another from 
Springfield to see about the construction of a bridge at 
Wallamanumps. In seven years fifty pounds were granted 
for a like purpose in April, and in November a committee 
on subscriptions was appointed, possibly to secure a better 
bridire than the town felt able to construct unassisted. 
In '92 the bridge, which must have made pretensions to 
respectability, had very likely become a river craft, for 
the town petitions the county authorities for another. 

Plans more or less elaborate were consummated in '94 
for a structure, which was inspected by a solemn com- 
mittee in the later Autumn. The conditions of building 
are worthy of preservation. " Voted that any Person or 
Persons that will undertake and build with good materials 
a good substantial Bridge over Chicopee Kiver, so called, at 
Wallamanumps Falls, and shall keep the same in good re- 
pair, shall receive sixty pounds from the town of Ludlow 



62 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

— Proviiled that the Person or Persons being so entitled to 
the said sum of sixty pounds for building the said Bridge 
shidl procure sufficient bonds to the Town Treas'" in the 
sum of one hundred and twenty pounds for the return of 
the same money into the Treas"" of said Town if the same 
bridge so built shall not stand the rapidity of the Floods 
and the Breaking up of the winter, for four years — And 
also that the same Person or Persons that shall build the 
same shall be entitled to all the fare or toll allowed by 
Law from all Persons not being Inhabitants of the Town 
of Ludlow forever." Eli Putnam, moderator of the meet- 
ing at which this action was taken, evidently considered 
the vote as a challenge, and proceeded to the erection of 
the first Putnam's or Put's bridge, also, probably, the first 
toll bridge at that point. Whether it was worthy of the 
capitals in the town record can not be determined at this 
date. It seems, however, to have answered the require- 
ment, for all is quiet until 1801, when the town again 
finds itself bridgeless. After an unsuccessful attempt to 
saddle the burden upon the county and an attempt equally 
unsuccessful to build from town funds, a committee for 
soliciting subscriptions was appointed, who, it may be pre- 
sumed, built a bridge, for nothing was said for eleven 
years. This brings us to the time of the construction of 
the famous Cooley bridge, which started from a point near 
the north abutment of the present structure, then ran to 
a pier in the mid-stream, then at a different angle to an 
abutment considerably west of the present south abut- 
ment. It was a covered bridge, and one through which 
no one could see. Its hight must have been good, for 
some camels once passed through.'^ Capt. Ariel Cooley 



'*The boys of the village were apprised of the coming wonder. The beasts passed 
through in tiie ni^lit, but Yankee ingenuitj- could nut* be baflled by darkness, and 
so a section was ilhiuiinated. It became convenient to arrest the camels at the toll 
liouse, on the south end, inasmuch at. astute legislators had failed to place these 



MANUFACTUPtlXG INTERESTS. G3 

received five hundred dollars for his work, he guarantee- 
ing a free and safe passage across the s'tream so long as 
the life of the charter continued. 

This bridge having been worn out or carried away, 
measures were taken to build another, resulting in 1822 
in the completion of the present structure. Its cost was 
$3,347.30. The wisdom of the outlay is manifest in the 
fact that the bridge is still staunch and strong. The 
builder remarked that he never before had everything 
provided to suit him. The committee of construction, 
Abner Putnam, Benjamin Jenks and Simeon Pease, de- 
serve a recognition. 

Before passing to other days, a little sketch of the 
manufacturing interests will be expected. Very early in 
the century Rufus Calkins had a little chair shop a mile 
up Higher Brook from the Center post-office. Here were 
made many of the old chairs now to be seen in the more 
ancient homes. At one time he also adjusted a spindle 
by means of which he could spin flax or wool. His was 
the first manufacturing of the kind in town. Further 
down, below Warren Fuller's privilege, was in 1814, a 
little fulling-mill, operated b}^ Gustavus Pinney. Near 
its banks at two different places successively, Elisha 
Fuller carried on a jiotash establishment, the last location 
being upon a spot opposite the present Methodist church, 
on the lot now owned by the society. Harris' mill privi- 
lege was under improvement in 1805, under the name of 
the " Continental Mill," owned by proprietors. 

On Broad Brook were two new privileges, now unused: 
Thornton's saw-mill was just at the foot of Burying- 
Ground Hill, and Alden's sash and blind shop a few rods 
above. At' Ludlow City, it must be recorded, was at one 

animals on the toll list. Tlie delay accomplished at least its intended result, in giv- 
ing tlie boys a good glimpse at the rare beasts of burden. So says Hezekiah Root, 
then one of the "boys." 



G4 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

time a distillery. Tar-kilns were set up here and there, 
traces l)eing still discernible on Facing Hills and else- 
where. 

Near the old Sikes place, south of the brook, a mile 
north of the Center churches, is still shown the ruins 
of the once famous Ludlow Glass Works, the wonder of 
the region. Here stood a small building, partly masonry 
and partly wood, in which were ponderous furnaces and 
sweating laborers. The article made was green glass, and 
its form mostly bottles. It existed a few years, Avas mis- 
managed, its proprietors became reckless, and eventually 
lost all, and left to posterity only a ruin of business and a 
wreck of finances. 

The falls of Wallamanumps had early attracted atten- 
tion. Late in the last centiuy there was but one man 
living in all the region. In 1788, however, reference is 
made to " Dea. Timothy Keyes' mill-dam," at this point. 
Not far from the dawn of the present century Abner 
Putnam came from the East and improved the privilege 
by erecting a shop for the manufacture of scythes. This 
he developed into a considerable business. The tools 
which had passed under Putnam's trip-hammer were con- 
sidered among the best made. 

Mr. Tuck has given^^ the account of the transfer of the 
propert}^ of Capt. Abram Putnam to Benjamin Jencks, 
in 18r2. Mr. Jeneks often related the account of his 
failinc to select Rochester as his place of business, but 
said that locality was too far into the land of the Mo- 
hawks. The company was formed in 1814, and consisted 
of Benjamin Jenckes, Washington Jcnckes, Joseph Buck- 
lin and George AYilkinson of Ludlow, and Stephen H. 
Smith of Providence, R. I. Smith in a little while sold 
his shares to Samuel Slater, since so famous as a manu- 
facturer. The original capital is not stated, but provis- 

i^See Historical Address. 



THE SPRINGFIELD MANUFACTUEING COMPANY. 65 

ion was made for an increase to $32,000. The property 
has been since sold for five times that sum. The grantors 
of deeds were Sylvester Moody, Abner Putnam and Levi 
Pease. At one time the company held twelve hundred 
acres of land. 

Operations were first commenced in a w^ooden building 
on the site of the stone factories, and consisted in prepa- 
ration of warps and yarn, which w^as woven by parties in 
all the country about. The stone buildings were com- 
menced in 1821. The first building Avas a little way from 
the bridge, 103 feet long and 36 wide. This was com- 
pleted the following year. An additional mill westward, 
forty feet from the first, w^as erected in 1826, 40x115 di- 
mensions. The machinery was manufactured in the build- 
ings, lower stories being used for the purpose. The first 
looms were set in motion in 1823. The fabric w^as sheet- 
ing, three-fourths, seven-eighths and yard wide. The 
mills were constructed well, and became the ideal buildings 
of the region. Stukely Smith was the mason, and Zebi- 
nus Pierce the carpenter. 

This " Springfield Manufacturing Company " of course 
made a vast difference with the interests of the town. 
We shall find their business the leading factor in the 
successes and reverses of the next period. 



SECTION IV. 

1828 TO 181S. 
THE ZENITH OF THE CENTURY. 

Changes incident to manufacturing — Source of Ludlow's greater pros- 
peritj- — New life — A market — Another mill — Jenksville in 1837 
— Upper privilege — Inventions — The people at the factories — 
Their morals — Sabbath desecration — The onl_y remedj' — Itine- 
rants and labors — The revival — Its effects — Place of worship — 
The M. E. Church — Trouble — Aid — A great revival — Incidents — 
Other revivals — ]\fillerism — The Congregationalists — Mr. Wright 
— A colleague — Eev. Mr. Austin — Dismission of Mr. Wright — 
The first parish — The fund — A lawsuit — Mr. Wright called 
again — Rev. Mr. Sanderson — The church of 1841 — Disposition of 
the old edifice — Rev. Mr. Tuck — The new cemetery — Highways 
and bridges — Red bridge — Necrology — "Dr. Foggus" — "Fri- 
day" — Incidents — Mexican war — A weather note — Mills — In- 
dian Orchard — Jenksville church edifices — Congregational Church 
there — The Company — Confidence of the people — The crash — 
Immediate effects. 

The change in a town from the simphcity of rural pur- 
suits to the noise and bustle of manufacturing is ever a 
marked one. The stream meandering along the limits of 
Ludlow, unobstructed by dam and crossed only by the 
rudest bridge, only furnished a convenient channel for 
bearing away the waters flowing from marsh and spring ; 
the same stream, no less rapid or picturesque, checked for 
an instant in its rapid coursings in order to do obeisance 
to human direction, to follow the bent of human inclina- 
tion, not only bears away the gathered deposits of highly 
fertile soil, but with showers of wealth returns more than 
it has taken, a thousand fold. 



A NEW LIFE. 67 

Our divisions of the history of the toMTi, necessarily 
somewhat arbitrary, could not well ignore the fact that a 
large share of that prosperity which has made the town 
locally so well known had its beginnings within- the pres- 
ent century. Moreover, those families best known to the 
marts of trade hereabouts will, upon consideration, find 
that while to some of thein there was given prestige by 
reason of extensive acreage and hereditary wealth, to 
more the resources in their hands at present gained their 
largest increment betvi^een the dates which are placed 
before this section. And further still, they who concede 
truth wherever found, will find that the chief factor in 
producing this state of prosperity was the manufacturing 
interest at Jenksville, as the village was then called. 

It was a new life to Ludlow. Every farm increased in 
value as the factories developed. Every article of prod- 
uce Avas worth money. It no longer j^aid to team lum- 
ber to Willimansett for fifty cents on a thousand, for the 
logs were worth vastly more as wood. The cattle became 
too valuable to send roaming at large over the common 
lands, for it was worth while to feed them well and so 
get heavier beef for hungry mouths ; while the soil was 
so much more salable that true economy called for 
strong fences. And if we may digress a little, thus will 
it be, as time rolls on. Every new mill, every new 
boarding-house necessarily consequent, added to the rap- 
idly increasing cluster of villages and towns and cities on 
or near our limits, will add first to the intrinsic, then to 
the exchangeable, value of Ludlow farms. The true con- 
ditions for successful labor, health, sobriety, industry, 
piety, being held in firm tenure, the town or its territory 
must have a future. 

We left the Springfield Manufacturing Company when 
it had just completed its second new mill, and introduced 
the time-saving machinery which elicited the praise of 



G8 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

manufacturers all about. In 18.3o it became necessary to 
again enlarge the factories. This time an addition was 
built eastward, forty by sixty-six, completing the range 
as at present, except the changes made after the fire of a 
few months since, and the gap between the first and sec- 
ond stone mill, which was filled about 1844. All these 
principal parts were dedicated by religious services. The 
tenements were erected from time to time, dating mainly 
about at the erection of the factories. In 1844 Slater 
sold to a resident of the town. In 1837 Barber's His- 
tory represents the concern as possessing two cotton mills, 
with ten thousand spindles, using five hundred thousand 
pounds of cotton in a year, manufacturing sixteen hun- 
dred thousand 3'ards of cloth annually, whose value was 
one hundred and sixty thousand dollars. Eighty-eight 
males were employed, and two hundred females. The 
capital invested had then increased to one hundred thou- 
sand dollars. 

In 1840 the first building at the upper privilege was 
erected and used by the Company for gun works. They 
forged barrels under contract with the United States 
government, continuing their business for about six years. 
At the close of our period the privilege was used in the 
manufacture of cotton machinery. 

Some applications of science to the arts first used in 
these works have proven a boon to manufacturers. The 
friction roller, now well-nigh indispensable in certain parts 
of machinery, was originated at Jenksville and given to 
the public with no restrictions of patent laws. It is also 
claimed, with good reason, that here first anthracite coal 
was used successfully in working wrought-iron. The prin- 
ciple, first brought out at Jenksville, is still in practical 
use, giving to the immense coal fields of the land and 
world a vastly increased value. 

Respecting the class of people who were by these inter- 



JENKSVILLE FIFTY YEARS AGO. 69 

ests bronglit into the town, it may be feared that the 
record cannot truthfully give a glowing description. Of 
course they were at first from the native population, 
largely gathered from rural towns. But this does not 
necessarily speak volumes in favor of moral or intellec- 
tual worth. The average native of a generation or two 
ago, was not very far in advance of the average foreigner 
of to-day in many respects. The records of former days, 
the condition to-day of those who have not enjoyed such 
advantages as have been so freely offered hereabouts in 
later years, or of those dwelling beyond the immediate 
neighborhood of churches, plainly sets forth the truth of 
the assertion made. The grandest development of even 
New England has been within the last two-score years. 

We are not surprised, then, to learn that the condition 
of society at the mills in Ludlow was not eminently 
praiseworthy fifty years ago. We need not be surprised 
to hear of very slight respect paid to the sacredness of 
the Sabbath or the risrid moral demands of the more 
deeply and intelligently pious people of to-day. One who 
resided in Jenksville about this time sends a doleful pic- 
ture of these days : " As you pass the gun shops (on Sun- 
day) some of the workmen would be busy, perhaps man- 
ufacturing articles for their own use. Near by would be 
a collection of boys playing ball. Soon we meet riflemen 
firing at a mark. A party of young people not far off 
are playing ' High-low-Jack.' A little further on are as 
happy a set as the brown jug could possibly make them, 
Avho in vain invited me to taste of the precious liquors 
inside the jug, which to my certain knowledge killed 
every one of the party inside of ten years. I have known 
a large field of rye to be harvested on the Sabbath day. 
These immoralities did not extend outside of the village."-^ 

iFrom Austin Chapman, Ellington, Conn. ISee also the Oakley Ballad, Appen- 
dix, J. 



70 HISTORY or LUDLOW. 

There is but one effectual and enduring remedy for 
evil like this. Education might in a measure improve, 
but there must first be an incentive to learning. Law 
may put forth its power, but this must find in the individ- 
ual a readiness to yield to its injunctions, else its execu- 
tion will be hampered and made of no effect. The true 
remedy was at hand. 

The itinerant ministers began to visit Jenksville about 
1828. Rev. Mr. Foster, principal of the Wilbraham Acad- 
emy, was probably the pioneer, and made his first visit 
on invitation of John Miller, compliant with the request 
of Benjamin Jenks. The events intimated occurred as 
early as 1831, the place being then a not unfamiliar one 
to Methodist ministers. Samuel Davis was the preacher 
in charge of Ludlow, and visited Jenksville in August 
with others of his profession. His own simple account 
is as follows : 

"About six weeks since, the work broke out at anotlier factory vil- 
lage^ on the circuit, called Put's Bridge, in Ludlow. The revival here 
took place while we were trying to hold forth the Saviour as the sin- 
ner's friend, and the necessity of each and all becoming reconciled to 
God. Much feeling was manifest in the congregation. At the close 
of the sermon an invitation was given to all that had resolved on 
seeking the Lord, to come forward, and fall on their knees, while the 
people of God should address the throne of grace in their behalf. At 
this instant, to our astonishment, more than one-third of the congre- 
gation came forward, and fell on their knees, with groans and sobs 
enough to melt the hardest heart; but soon the mourning of some was 
turned into rejoicing. Our meetings from that time to the present 
liave been very interesting. It has not been uncommon for six or 
seven to find iwixcc and pardon at a meeting. The glorious work is 
still going on here.'"^ 

Granted, if desired, that every one of these did not 
maintain a good profession through the days to come ; 
granted, if it were the case, that the daj-s of excitement 

2Tlmn Cliickopee. 

SFroin New England Christian Herald, October 26, 183L 



METHODIST MATTEKS. 71 

soon passed away ; yet there must have been a beneficial 
result flowing from such services, and we claim, in the 
absence of any other well-grounded reason to account for 
the conceded chano-e for the better in the morals of the 

o 

people, that there was an intimate relation between the 
revival and the reformation. 

These services must have been held in a fitted room in 
the factories. Here they were continued, regularly or 
irregularly, for years, until at last it became desirable to 
erect a church. Before describing the events of interest 
connected therewith, let us retrace a little, carrying our 
annals along in as nearly chronological order as may be. 

We left the Methodist people in possession of their new 
house in 1828, with a goodly prospect of success before 
them. A lamentable difficulty with Mr. McLean occur- 
ring just at this time created hard feelings, and much dis- 
cussion, oral and printed, resultant in the withdrawal from 
the denomination of that gentleman, and the closing up of 
the affairs of the so-called "Methodist Legal Society" of 
Ludlow. A considerable debt remaining upon the people 
was partially relieved by contributions from the churches 
of the denomination elsewhere. All was in readiness for 
the revival efforts under the ministry of Samuel Davis, in 
1831, which resulted in a more demonstrative work than 
at Jenksville.^ A large number from the place attended 
a camp-meeting in Haddam, Conn., and brought back 
with them some who had there professed conversion. At 
meetings following in the church, or "chajDcl," lasting 
eight days, about two hundred made a profession of reli- 
gion, of whom more than one hundred and fifty claimed 
to find peace at the church altar. The news spread about 
in all the towns around. A large load of wild young men 
caine from Northampton to have a " good time " at the 
service, but it is averred that every one was brought un- 

*See page 70. 



72 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

der conviction and wont home with different purposes 
and a changed hfe. A man named Kendall, addicted to 
profanity, left his work in the field under profound con- 
victions, went to the church, cried for mercy, and passed 
out a better man. Was this enthusiasm? Surely it could 
not be baneful, to arrest the plans of rioters and displace 
cursing by praises. 

We find incidental allusions to another work of grace in 
1837, under Philo Ilawkes, while there are many living 
witnesses to the revival scenes in Dadmun's ministry in 
'42. The Millerite excitement of '41-3 made little impres- 
sion in Ludlow, although so near the home of the leader 
in those scenes. Miller came repeatedly into town to hold 
meetings, but Avith little lasting success. Ludlow takes 
slowly to new and startling ideas, but grasps firmly what- 
ever it accepts as truth. Clapp, minister in '43, was the 
first careful annalist of the church, while Fleming will be 
remembered as the • preacher in charge when the parson- 
age was erected. Of them all C. D. Rogers bears the 
palm for quaintness. 

Meanwliile the Congregationalist Church was thriving 

-for a season under the ministry of the saintly AVright. 

Owing to ill-health he found himself obliged to ask in 

1830 a release from pulpit labors for a year, relinquishing 

his salary and assisting the society in securing a supply. 

In 1835 a colleague was settled. Rev. David R. Austin, 
of Norwich, Conn., a graduate of Union college of the class 
of 1827. Although the formality of settlement was un- 
dertaken by the town there is no record of the matter 
upon the books, nor hereafter do we discover any action 
of the town with reference to settlement. Mr. Austin 
continued over the church for two years, winning friends 
by his earnestness and geniality. He was considered a 
preacher of more than ordinary power. His dismissal oc- 
curred in July, 1837. His career since has been watched 



THE FUjS^D. 73 

with interest by the people of Ludlow. The pleasure of 
the recent Centennial Celebration was enhanced by his 
presence and kindly words. 

Meanwhile Mr. Wright had found himself failing in 
health and unequal to many of the duties which he con- 
ceived as necessarily belonging to the ministry. He took 
an early opportunity after the settlement of Mr. Austin, 
to ask a dismissal, which was granted, his ministry in Lud- 
low terminating in October, 1835. If there be any one 
man more than others to whom the town and church has 
been brought under obligation, that man was Ebenezer B. 
Wridit. 

Tlie '' First Parish in the town of Ludlow " was organ- 
ized December 9th, 1835, Daniel Miller, one of the peti- 
tioners, executing the warrant for the first meeting, EHsha 
T. Parsons being the moderator, Elisha A. Fuller the 
treasurer chosen, and Theodore Sikes clerk. The organ- 
ization probably grew out of the controversy concerning 
the ministry fund. We have seen by the charter^ and 
various references that the town once held certain lands 
in trust for the maintenance of the ministry. Early in 
this century these lands were sold, and the money put 
into the care of a committee of trustees, appointed by the 
town from year to year. This fund became the source of 
much contention as the religious societies developed. For 
a number of years its revenues were equally divided 
among the various denominations, all of whom were rep- 
resented in the pulpit as the years passed on. After the 
existence of the "Methodist Legal Society"'' the agita- 
tion respecting the fund was carried on with increasing 
force, until some parties petitioned for its disuse in the 
support of the ministry, and its appropriation to the pur- 
poses of education. A suit followed, which was afterwards 

6Page 23. ^Page 50, note. 

10 



/4 niSTORY OF LUDLOW. 

carried up to the Supreme Court, where Marcus Morton 
and his associates decided the case in favor of the defend- 
ants. The money has since been used by the Congrega- 
tionaUst Society for the support of its ministry. The parish 
organization was effected during the pending of this suit. 

After Mr. Austin's dismissal the society did not long 
continue without a minister. The liii:;h estimate of Mr." 
Wright was pleasantly shown in a second call to him to 
settle over the church. For some reason the call was de- 
clined, though evidently with reluctance. 

Rev. Alonzo Sanderson settled here in 1839, and con- 
tinued his ministry four years. Mr. Sanderson was born 
in Whately and graduated at Amherst in 1834. He after- 
ward studied theology at Andover, and, like Wright and 
Austin, came to Ludlow with the flush of youth upon his 
brow. He is remembered as an earnest, pious, and de- 
voted minister, with broad Christian views. His best re- 
membered monument passed from sight in a blaze of glory 
in 1859 ; but who shall say its influence did not reach 
down to the minds of them who had charge of the erection 
of the present church ? 

The old church had been falling into decay as 3'ears 
glided by, until a new edifice was a necessity. At least 
so thought the majority of the people. In 1839 a com- 
mittee to solicit subscriptions was appointed, who soon 
obtained over $3,000. In November of the next year 
the folks begin to talk of hiring slips, while the entire 
expense was reported in April, 1841, as $4,127.09. The 
dedication took place January 20t]^ of that year. The 
following order of exercises w^as observed : 

" 1. Singing; 2. Invocation, by Rev. Mr. Rogers of Cliicopee Falls; 
3. Reading Scriptures; 4. Singing; 5. Prayer, by Rev. Mv. Rogers; 
G. Singing; 7. Sermon, by Rev. Mr. Clapp of Cabotville ; 8. Prayer of 
dedication, by the pastor ; 9. Singing ; 10. Benediction ; 11. Singing." 

The old church finally became the property of the town, 



EEY. J. W. TUCK. 75 

passing meanwhile througli the hands of Increase Sikes, 
who removed it to its present site, where it has stood ever 
since, a shield for those noble oaks which link the days of 
successive generations. 

Mr. Sanderson's dismissal, May 11, 1843, was immedi- 
ately followed by the candidacy of Rev. Mr. Tuck. The 
call to become the pastor was extended to him in July, 
and he was installed and ordained September 6th. Jeremy 
Webster Tuck was born in Kensington, N. H., graduated 
at Amherst in 1840, and passed through the theological 
instruction of Andover and East Windsor. Two days be- 
fore his ordination he was married to Irene M. Moody of 
South Hadley, who died after a year or so of married life. 
The Mrs. Tuck so well known here bore from infancy the 
name of Mowry. We leave the church at the close of the 
j)eriod under Mr. Tuck's faithful ministrations. 

The new cemetery was purchased and opened in 1842. 
Increase Sikes, from whose farm the three acres were 
taken, found three cemeteries within his lands at the 
time. The first notice of the Jenksville yard is May 
30, 1842, when the town is asked to enlarge it. The 
tomb was constructed in 1846, and cost $100. 

But little more than ordinary work was performed upon 
the highways. The road from the present Benjamin 
Sikes place southward was laid out in 1834, and one or 
two smaller ways of travel established, while of course 
Cedar Swamp continued to perplex the citizens. Refer- 
ences to a bridge where now stands the "red bridge" be- 
gin in '36, while in the following year the present struct- 
ure was erected. Before reaching the structure was once 
a dry bridge, near the river. The practice of lighting 
the Jenksville bridge is mentioned first in 1842 as the 
duty of the town. 

The better attention paid to town annals gives us an 
idea of the mortuary record of the town. The average 



76 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

number of deaths annually seems to have been not far 
from twenty-three for the last dozen years, arising to 
twenty-nine in 1841 and the unusual number of forty- 
four in 1848. During the latter year there were three 
funerals in a single day. The population in 1835, was 
1,329, in 1840, 1,2G8; there were two hundred and fifty- 
seven votes cast this latter year. The anti-masonic vote 
in the Morgan days was thirty-two in a hundred and 
sixty-one. 

Among the unique characters in the toAvn were two 
of special note. One, Veranus Shattuck, of Jenksville, 
known best under the soubriquet of "Doctor Foggus," we 
have met before as a soldier in 1812," in which strife he 
did valiant service, yet perhaps not always using the best 
of judgment. In these days he figures as the little round- 
shouldered cobbler of Jenksville, almost as crooked as the 
sibilant, whose powers of oratory were seriously crippled 
by a stroug nasal twang. Indeed, his only speech, Avhich 
has been handed down by indulgent fame, was the one 
made on occasion of his election as captain of the military 
company of the town. At that time he is reported to 
have stepped forward to the astonished colonel and her- 
alded through his facial protuberance the eloquent words, 
" Mr. Colonel, I excuse myself." Nor was he always the 
butt of ridicule, notwithstanding the wishes of malicious 
boys. It was his habit to sit near the entrance to the 
factory and see the people go in. The approving lads 
would signify their interest by patting him upon the head 
on passing his seat, sometimes with unpleasant emphasis. 
They did so once too often, for Dr. Foggus found an occa- 
sion when he did not " excuse himself," but sat down as 
usual, except as to the condition of his hat, as classic 
tyros would say. That useful covering, a tarpaulin by 
the way, he had adorned within with some bright sharp 

"See page 55. 



INCIDE^'TS. 77 

awls attached to a piece of sole leather, the leather 
restmg upon his hair, the awl points aiming upwards. 
One by one the " boys " patted his head, as usual, and 
passed sadly along. We hardly need add that the Doc- 
tor's prescription was eflicacious. 

The hermit "Friday" was also well-known. His name 
is supposed to have been Timothy Haschall, and he be- 
became chargeable to the town in 1832, which relation 
was only broken by death about fifteen years later. He 
lived a wdiile in a rude cabin near Red Bridge, subsisting 
on the vilest food, unless he was helped to better by 
neighbors or the town. AVhence he came or who he was 
no one knew, nor could it be ascertained satisfactorily. 

A few incidents of the period may perhaps be noted. 
The citizens at town-meeting adjourned on May-day of 
1837 to attend in procession the funeral of their aged 
neighbor, Lewis Barber. A negro aged tw^enty was 
drowned in Mineachogue pond in '-IS. The Mexican war 
fever reached Ludlow, but only took effect in one case, 
Joseph Eood, who is supposed to have been wounded in 
one of the frays in the land of the Aztecs. The town 
clerk was so much impressed with a twelve-hours thunder- 
storm March 25, 1842, that he made note of the fact — 
the only attention paid to meteorology in all the town 
books, unless we infer that the earlier fathers adjourned 
from the meeting-house stake to the house of Joshua Ful- 
ler because of the cold. A good many found emj)loy- 
ment in 1846 on the factory and village Avorks then 
commenced by the Indian Orchard Corporation. 

A serious affair is supposed to have occurred during 
the earlier years of the period. One Wright, a deaf mute, 
residing over the mountain, disappeared quite suddenly. 
He was supposed to have had an altercation with one of 
the citizens, living in another part of the town, and some 
suspected foul play. A melancholy interest was added to 



78 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

tlie reminiscence by the finding of a skeleton in an out 
lot long afterwards, which bore probabl}^ unmistakable 
signs of identity with the frame of the missing man. 

Of the minor manufacturing interests during these 
years there is little to be said. Plumley's saw-mill at the 
mouth of Broad Brook was made to use the fine privi- 
lege there, while the Alden mills above, next to those of 
Thornton,* were made useful in turning out forks and 
rakes. The Indian Orchard mills sj)oiled the romance of 
the lower falls of Wallamanumps, even trespassing upon 
the sandstone riches of the Indian Leap cliff. Otherwise 
that grand manufacturing interest, it seems, had only a 
general influence upon Ludlow. Fisk's mill, at the city, 
turned out a durable and beautiful Avoolen fabric, well- 
known in the region. Here, too, came to be carded fleeces 
from the nciQ:hborino; farms. Eaton also had a share of 
this trade at his mill near Indian Orchard. 

We come again to the Jenksville interests as we find 
ourselves closing the period. In 1845 and 1846, Daniel 
E. Chapin was preacher in charge of the Methodist Soci- 
ety. Under his popular ministry a successful effort was 
made to erect a church, resulting in the construction of 
the edifice now standing there. Rev. Dr. Holdich, now 
of the American Bible Society, preached the dedicatory 
sermon from the sublime text, " Great is the mystery of 
godliness," and immediately afterward dedicated the 
place to the worship of God. A question of privileges in 
the house arising between the Methodists and Congrega- 
tionalists, the former removed themselves from harm's 
way by erecting after a little a house for their own use, 
opposite Col. Miller's. David Sherman was then preacher 
in charge in 1847, and Zachary A. Mudge in the fol- 
lowing year. The Congregationalists had meanwhile 
organized a church and called Rev. William Hall, who 

®See page 03. 



CALAMITY. 79 

was settled in 1848. The society never elected any 
deacons. 

The affairs of the Company had gone on meanwhile, 
apparently with prosperity. True, in lieu of cash the 
help and other creditors had been asked from time to 
time to accept Company notes, but these were to them 
even better than cash, in their estimation. A large busi- 
ness was in progress, with the fairest prospects. The 
treasury was a bank to the inhabitants. Scarcely was 
there a person in town who was not glad of an opportu- 
nit}'^ to lend money there. 

But to a smaller circle of lookers-on there had been a 
growing anxiety in reference to the management of the 
affairs of the Company. No one distrusted the agent, 
who, with all his brusque manners, evidently had a kindly 
and honest heart and hand. But there was friction 
Avithin the ranks of the proprietors. At last the crisis 
came. It was suddenly announced to the astonished 
creditors that the Springfield Manufacturing Company 
had failed ! Surely 1848 was an ill-starred year for 
Ludlow. Mr. Hall was dismissed from the new church 
at Jenksville. The place fails to appear on the next 
Methodist minutes. The town appropriations for 1849 
fell fourteen per cent. Many a poor girl lost her all, 
while cases of parties who had no money in the concern 
was cited as unusual. The affairs of the Company went 
into the hands of Wood & Mcrritt of New York city. 

Here we must leave the town, sitting as it were in 
sackcloth and ashes, and hasten on to our last task. 



SECTION V. 

1818 TO 1875. 

THE LUDLOW OF TO-DAT. 

Toward tlie end — Congregational Church — Mr. Tuck — The fire — Ee- 
building — Dedication — Rev. Mr. ]\Iayo — Rev. Chester Bridgman 
—Rev. C. L. Cushman— Rev. S. V. McDuffee— Methodist Church 
— Re-modeling — Rev. F. Fisk — Revival scenes — "War record of 
society — Rev. D. K. Banister — Wesley an Praying Band — Rela- 
tions of societies — Jenksville — Manufacturing interests — Present 
Company — A good chance — Methodism — Sale of a church — 
Rev. W. H. Daniels — Union Church — Roads and Bridges — Rail- 
roads — A fine opportunity lost — Items — The Miller "boys" — 
Incidents — The Rebellion — Enlistments — The Monument — Mr. 
Banister's Address — War scenes — iSTames of Soldiers — Spring- 
field Aqueduct — Prominent men — Incentives to effort — Con- 
clusion. 

Our closing task is light. The reader will not look for 
extended description or fulsome notice as we record the 
later events in the life of the town. Every town history 
should be revised at least twice a century, to bring its an- 
nals to a proper state of completion. We will leave to the 
historian of 1925 only the outlines of the life so many of 
our readers can distinctly remember. The shadings of our 
own days can be better delineated then. 

Resuming the ecclesiastical record, we open our page 
again in the midst of Mr. Tuck's ministry at the Center 
ConQ:resrationalist Church. Durino; the eleven remainino; 
years of his labors the society enjoyed a good degree 
of prosperity. In the sixteen years of his connection with 
the church there were four special seasons of interest. 



A NEW co:n^gregational church. 81 

One liiindred and twenty-five were added to the church, 
mostly by profession ; over eighty children were baptized ; 
sixty-one of the members died, among them three dea- 
cons ; eighty-one took letters to other churches elsewhere. 
There were in this period three hundred deaths in the 
town. Mr. Tuck was dismissed December 7, 1859. 

The event which so saddened the last days of his min- 
istry he has himself graphically described in the address.^ 
There was no delay in services after the fire. A courte- 
ous invitation from the Methodists to the privileges of their 
sanctuary for the time being, was declined, and the peo- 
ple assembled for a season in the venerable town-house. 

There were busy days throughout that year, but they 
were days of profit and success, for their labors resulted 
in the present elegant edifice. The dedication occurred 
December 7, 1859, and was of course a notable event. 
Besides the singing were the invocation by Rev. L. H. 
Cone, prayer by Rev. S. Miller, sermon by Rev. J. W. 
Tuck, that very day dismissed from the church, and dedi- 
catory prayer by Rev. J. Vaill, D. D. An original dedi- 
cation hymn by Hon. G. M. Fisk, a native of the town, 
was sung. We cannot refrain from giving a portion : 

" O'er the ashes of tlie Past, 

We this holy temjile rear; 
And of Thee, oh Lord, we ask 

To reveal thy presence here ; 
Make this house thy dwelling place, 

Make this roof thy sheltering hand, 
Fill these courts with heavenly grace — 

Fill them with thy chosen band. 

" May thy servant who shall toil 

In this vinej^ard of the Lord, 
Find that here is Christian soil 

Which shall yield a rich reward ; 

iSee Address, note VII. 
11 



82 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

Strengtlien liim to guide aright, 

Tliose who heavenly wisdom seek, 
Leading them from gloom to light. 

By the truths that he shall speak." 

Rev. Mr. Mayo, ^vlio was already hired and on the 
ground to take the vacant place, had surely an incentive 
for the good work he accomplished in the twenty-eight 
months of his stay in town. An interim of two years was 
followed by the settled pastorate of Rev. Chester Bridg- 
man, whose service extended from May 18, 18G4, to July 
24, 18G6. Rev. Chester Lemuel Cushman, a native of 
Monson and a graduate of Amherst, class of 1856, from 
East Townshend, Vt., was settled November 2, 18G6, and 
continued his ministry until his dismissal, September 1, 
1874, having received seventy persons into the church on 
profession of faith, and attended a hundred funerals. An 
extensive revival, aided by the labors of Rev. Mr. Under- 
wood, was enjoyed in 1873. Rev. Samuel Valentine 
McDuffee, a graduate of Amherst and of Bangor Theo- 
logical Seminary, recently from Fisherville, N. H., is the 
present pastor, having entered upon his duties in Jan- 
uary of the current year. 

The Methodist Society has moved along very quietly 
and with a degree of efficiency. Its pulpit has never 
failed of a supply ; its ministers never left without a sup- 
port.^ In 1858 a much needed effort was made to repair 
and enlarge the " chapel." Under skillful managers that 
worthy edifice was transformed into the present neat and 
tasty chiu'ch. The best of all was, God was with them, 
and under the labors of the pastor. Rev. F. Fisk, and his 
co-operators, some persons were wonderfully transformed. 
One, well-known, an inn-holder, took his liquors to the 
street and poured them away, and then renounced his 
life of sin, to manifest ever since a determination to stand 

-bee Aiipeiulix, W., for list of ministers. 



RELATIOXS OF CHURCnES. 83 

ajiproved before his Maker. This church suffered severely 
a loss of membership during the war of the rebellion, two 
of its class leaders" and one local preacher/ besides others 
of its most devoted, going away to return no more. Rev. 
D. K. Banister was virtually the pastor of the town dur- 
ing the earlier days of the trying conflict. Under his min- 
istry, as well as the two following, there were special revi- 
val scenes. Mr. Pomfret was the only minister who has 
served the society over two years. During the present 
pastorate the well-known Wesleyan Praying Band, of 
Si3ringfield, rendered efficient service in special religious 
work. 

The relations between these two societies are those of 
harmony. Each recognizes the other, each welcomes the 
other's pastor to its own pulpit. While the Methodist 
church was in process of re-construction the doors of the 
Congregationalist edifice were thrown open to them, and 
Ave have seen how the compliment was returned in the 
following year.^ The town offices are shared by mem- 
bers of both churches. In every good work and way the 
churches are ready to co-operate. Here surely may be 
found an exemplification, in the true spiritual sense, of 
the v.'ords of inspiration, " Behold how good and how 
pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." 

The ecclesiastical interests of the village are of course 
to a great extent interwoven with those of the manufac- 
turing companies. The firm of Wood & Merritt, man- 
aging from 1848 to 1856, was then merged into the first 
Ludlow Manufacturing Company. The power was for 
a number of years leased to George H. Deane, who fitted 
up the stone mills for the manufacture of jute goods, and 
the upper mill for the manufacture of wadding. After 
the expiration of the lease, Mr. Deane purchased the prop- 

^Putiiam and Crowningsliield •'Potts. ''See page 81. 



84 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

erty and formed the Ludlow Mills Company. A more re- 
cent sale was to the present Ludlow Manufacturing Com- 
pany, of which L. n. Brigham is agent. The goods made 
are, at the stone mills : gunny bagging, various kinds of 
crashes, plain and figured, (bleached and finished ready 
for market,) all kinds of hardware twines, and linen warps ; 
at the upper privilege are made cotton warps and seam- 
less o'rain-basrs of the same material. About three hun- 
dred hands are employed, who receive their Avages 
monthly from the hand of R. H. Winsor, paymaster. 
The expenses of the corporation monthly, exclusive of 
the cost of stock, is $13,000. Charles T. Hubbard, of 
Boston, is the treasurer of the Company and its chief sale 
agent. There are connected with the establishment thirty 
houses, and a church, besides all the barns, sheds, etc. A 
fire a few months since so far injured a section of the 
stone mills that it was considered advisable to place an 
iron roof upon a section. Other im2:)rovemcnts are con- 
templated in the near future. 

It may be as well to say at this point that the present 
Company own seven hundred acres of land, a large por- 
tion of which is mapped out into streets and building lots. 
The extent of water-power is estimated at over twenty- 
five hundred horse-power, of which only a small portion 
is in use. There is an excellent opportunity for canalage, 
while the building lots are high and dry, above all tracks 
of possible Hoods and miasm from stagnant waters. The 
owners offer unusual facilities to manufacturing!: establish- 
ments in the way of mill sites and land for dwellings and 
tenements. 

After the catastrophe at Jenksville in July of ]848, 
neither religious society at the village was in a condition 
to do much in an aggressive way. The Methodists, whose 
house Rev. George Landon had dedicated only the Febru- 
ary before, were left high and dry upon the shoal of an 



CHURCHES — HIGHWAYS. 85 

eighteen hundred dollar debt, and no population to lift it; 
hut one man of means, Col. John Miller, remaining in the 
place. A Mr. Lee, local preacher from Wilbraham, ren- 
dered efficient service in preaching from time to time, at 
a merely nominal rate. At last the house was closed, 
although the debt was largel}^ reduced. It was finally 
sold for a nominal sum, and removed to Warren, where, 
re-modeled, it still does duty for the denomination in 
whose interests it was erected. 

During the revival interests of 1857 a student from 
Wilbraham Academy, W. H. Daniels, now a noted preach- 
er in Illinois, was instrumental in promoting an extensive 
Avork at Jenksville. The following Spring brought a con- 
ference preacher again, who, with annual successors, occu- 
pied the desk of the company church until 1863. Four 
years later a union church was organized, now claiming 
to be Congregationalist.^ Of the ministers, three have 
been Congregationalist and two Methodist. The present 
pastor is Rev. Timothy Lyman. 

In the matter of highways the town has not been very 
active of late. The piece of road across Cedar Swamp 
has required much attention, and very likely will attract 
notice in the future. The only prominent way con- 
structed since 1848 has been the road from Eaton's Mills 
to Indian Orchard, including the iron bridge spanning the 
Chicopee River at that village, which were built by order 
of the county commissioners in 1866. The bridges at 
Collins' Depot also come within this period. The first, a 
pier bridge, dates before 1850, but was carried away by a 
flood. The present structure was erected in 1851. The 
Red Bridge was thoroughly overhauled and made service- 
able for many years in 1873. 



•'See Annual Keport of Hampden Conference of Congregational Cliurclies, 1874, 
page 9. 



86 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

The opening of tlic ^yeste^n (now the Boston and 
All)any) railroad of course was a matter of interest and 
indirect value to the town. The Springfield, Atliol and 
North-eastern endeavored to secure town aid, on consid- 
eration of passing tlu'ough Ludlow Center, but was unsuc- 
cessful, and passed only through the very outskirts of 
our territory, immediately benefiting only the village, 
though stopping its trains at Collins' and Eed Bridge. 
The construction of this railroad demanded another bridge 
across the Chicopee, spanning the stream at the Indian 
Leap, where also the hardly completed aqueduct for the 
City of Springfield connects the proximate cliffs on either 
side of the stream. 

With the aid of Edward Sikes, of Wisconsin, the pres- 
ent fence around the old North Cemetery was erected in 
1866. — Graves's and Alden's mills, on Broad Brook, and 
Edmund W. Fuller's shingle-mill on Higher Brook, are the 
only recent accessions to the minor manufacturing estab- 
lishments of the town. — Ludlow has long been noted for 
the longevity of its inhabitants. Of twenty deaths in 
1874 nine were parties over sixty years of age, while one 
had borne the weight of a hundred winters less three. A 
pleasing incident is related of the visit of four brothers, 
Silvester, Joseph, Daniel and John Miller, to Springfield 
m 1866, and their going together before the photogra- 
pher's instrument for a picture. One, Daniel, has since 
passed away, but the others j^et survive, their combined 
ages considerably exceeding two hundred and fifty years. 
Their portraits appropriately embellish this volume. — A 
sad yet interesting incident in the history of the town was 
the interment in the new cemetery of the remains of Rev. 
Ebenezer B. Wright, who died at Huntington, August 17, 
1871, aged 76. — Mineachogue pond, whose hungry waters 
have fatally engulfed nearly half a score, during the last 
summer was again made a center of interest by the acci- 



THE TIEBELLIOX. 87 

dental drowning of a youth named Miller, visiting in the 
place. Further back, about 1835, George Bennett was 
also drowned there. — The most destructive fire Ludlow 
has known in years occurred last fall, in the woods on and 
near Facing Hills. — The town house has been changed 
little by little from time to time, though the most marked 
alterations, in the partition and fitting up of a town office, 
and the removal of some of the old seats are of very re- 
cent date ; the latter, in fact, having been made necessary 
by the centennial celebration. — It is noticeable that the 
town, since the temperance agitation has been under way, 
never has licensed the sale of intoxicating liquors. — The 
Ludlow Center post-office is also an outgrowth of recent 
enterprise, having been granted June 17, 1874, and opened 
early in July. 

We have purposely reserved a recital of the most prom- 
inent series of events occurring during these years. Al- 
though Ludlow has been a town voting with the republicans 
ever since the ascendency of that party commenced, there 
was but one sentiment manifest in the fearful days of the 
great Rebellion. There were few towns more active, none 
more lo^'al. Ere the echoes of Sumter's guns had fairly 
died away the citizens met and appropriated, April 27, 
1861, two thousand dollars for bounty to those who would 
enlist. In August of the next 3^ear a hundred dollars was 
offered to each of seventeen men who would enlist, and 
Samuel King drew up before the grateful and appreciative 
people a line of fifteen strong yeomen who responded. 
Meeting after meeting was held, keeping the interest red- 
hot. We need not cite the notes which so frequently re- 
peat the story of those terrible days. Another hand has 
traced the account, and from his narration we will draw 
our sketch in the main.' Suffice it to say that of the men 

■'See Rev. Mr. Banister's Address, pp. 88, 89. Also see Mr. Tuck's Address, 
note X. 



88 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

who went and suffered, some of them even unto death, 
nearly all were of the best blood in the town. They did 
not act in vain. 

The war over and some of the men returned, measures 
were taken in 18G6 to erect a monument to the memory 
of the fallen. The committee was appointed,^ money 
raised and a contract made with W. N. Flynt & Co. of Mon- 
son, resulting at last in the completion of the beautiful 
structure standing near the town-house.^ The memorial 
cost $1,02-5. At its dedication, in the summer of 1867, a 
goodly company assembled and listened to an appropriate 
address from Rev. D. K. Banister, part of which we are 
permitted to place before the reader : 

"A worthy and patriotic object has called us together this morning. 
We have met to embalm the memories of those who, like the leader 
in the great conflict, fell, martyrs, in their country's cause. In this 
great struggle and successful contest, not merely a Lincoln, a Grant, a 
Sherman and others high in command have borne a noble and import- 
ant part, but the lower grades of officers and the rank and file of the 
loyal hosts were all essential and are worthy of heroes' fame. The 
privileges our institutions bring, and the civilization they uphold, pro- 
claim their excellence. The masses are lifted up, the avenues to 
eminence are open to the sons of the lowly and the poor, as well as the 
rich and honorable. How does the humble but meritorious backwoods- 
man lind his way to the chief magistracy of a great nation, and this by 
his wisdom and goodness, and become the admiration of the world and 
of ages yet unborn ? Whence the men whose discoveries have so 
marked the age in which we live ? * * * 

" This principle not only opens the way for aspiring genius and fosters 
it, but invests every loyal citizen with privileges beyond price. The 
value of our government is measured by the sum aggregate of its value 
to each of the loyal millions. 

" Whatever was thought at first, it soon became apparent that we 
had on our hands no mere holiday work, but a contest of fearful pro- 
portions. The frequent calls for men, for three hundred thousand 
men, to fill the fearful gaps in the loyal ranks, gave warning that to 

»F. F. McLean, J. P. Hubbard, S. Wliite, li. Root and C. L. Buell. 
"See Mr. Tuck's Address, X. 




THE MILLER BROTHERS. (See page 8G.) 



Daniel. 



Joseph. 
Sylvester. 



John. 



r 



REV. MR. banister's ADDRESS. 89 

enlist was to meet a storm of great fury and power. These men most 
of them saw the clanger and faced it. * * * Our war-meetings some- 
times presented scenes well worthy the painter's pencil and the poet's 
pen. I recollect attending one not far away, well worthy of remem- 
brance. Volunteers were called to come forward and give their names. 
A young man^" of noble spirit and form erect came forward and said in 
substance : ' I love my country and, if need be, I am willing to die for 
it, but I have aged parents that need my care ; if I can be assured they 
will be cared for, I am willing to go ; ' while tears told the earnestness of 
his heart. The desired pledge was given, and he enlisted. Another," of 
stalwart form and generous impulses, said, ' I am willing to go if my 
family, my wife and children, can be cared for, if I return no more.' 
The promise desired was given, and he also enlisted. Another,'- Eng- 
lish by birth, said he felt the cause to be worthy, and he was willing to 
stake his life for his adopted country, and gave his name. Of low 
stature, he expressed much concern lest he should be rejected on that 
account b}^ the examining officer. They all went, and fell or died in 
their country's service. 

" The first one that enlisted in the town'" is a case worthy of note. He 
lived in the village. He was a young man of intelligence, and in a 
good financial position. But hearing the call, his patriotic impulses 
were moved as though by inspiration. His room was embellished with 
mottoes like these : ' Our country calls and we must go ;' ' Boys, our 
country needs us.' He, like other noble spirits, without the pressure 
and incidental inducements of after years, enlisted, and fell a hero 
on the battle-field. * * * By such sacrifices the area of liberty 
has been extended and greatly promoted. The four millions of 
bondmen became free, the slavery remaining in the civilized world 
is doomed. * * * 

" Free institutions, under the influence of an open bible and gen- 
eral intelligence, are strong and reliable, as well as most benign ; 
none stronger or so secure. This republican nation stands erect and 
purified, rebuking oppression everywhere, feared by its foes and re- 
spected by all, the world over. She bears the banner of freedom 
for the world. * * * When the prophetic day of seven suns light- 
ing up the world with millennial splendor shall be ushered in, it will 
be seen that this great contest and triumph had a marked and mighty 
influence in hastening the glorious consummation." 

We append the names of those who went from and for 
the town to the war of the RebelUon, referring the reader 

i"Lyon. "Pratt. i^Potts. i^^Brooks. 

12 



90 



HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 



for incidents to another page.^* We give them in alpha- 
betical order, as the records show them, starring those who 
fell: 



Pliilo ^y. B. Alclen, 
Preston Alden, 
Hiram "W. Aldrich,* 
Wilson Allen, 
Dennis Anderson, 
George Ashton, 
James Bagley, 
Leonard Baker, 
Lemuel Bennett, 
Lyman Bennett,* 
Warren D. Bennett, 
Sumner Bodfish, 
Lyman Brewer, 
John H. Brines, 
Edward F. Brooks,* 
James Buckley, 
Joseph A. Bugbee, 
Amaziah E. Burcham, 
Erancis A. Burcham, 
Henry Bushey, 
Andrew Carpenter, 
James Chapin, 
Augustus Chapman,* 
William F. Christian, 
Benjamin F. Clark, 
William Clements, 
John Coash,* 
Charles B. Comstock, 
Calvin Cooley, 
Thomas Cowan, 
Daniel D. Currier,* 
Caleb Crowningshield,* 
John B. Dunn, 
Benjamin C. Davis, 
John B. Davis, 
W^ilber Davis, 
Cornelius Dugan, 



Elisha Dutton, 
Charles B. Fay, 
George Feathers, 
Edward E. Fuller, 
J. E. Fuller, 
Horace Gates, 
Marvin Giboney, 
Austin C. Gove, 
Thomas Higgins, 
Isaac T. Hines, 
Henry Hobson, 
John Hobson, Jr., 
Henry A. Hubbard,* 
James B. Kellams, 
Andrew Kenney, 
James D. Kenney, 
Henry Keyes, 
Arthur King, 
Homer K. King, 
Samuel King, 
Francis R. Lemon, 
Dexter Lombard, 
Isaac Loury, 
Thomas I. Lyndes, 
Ebenezer Lyon,* 
John Mack, 
Julius M. Marshall, 
Harry Martin, 
John McCutcheon, 
John McDonald, 
Charles McFarland,* 
Charles McKenney, 
Charles McSheney, 
Wilbur F. Miller, 
Edward Morrill, 
Michael Munsin?, 
Charles U. Nash, 



^■'See appendix, DD. Also Address, XI. 



SPRINGFIELD WATEll WORKS. 



91 



James L. Nash, 
Steplien O'Holloran, 
David M. Olds, 
Robert Parsons,* 
Henry M. Pease,* 
Levi L. Pease, 
Lyman Pease, 
James E. Perry, 
Anthony 0. Pott,* 
Daniel Pratt,* 
Edwin Price, 
Flavins J. Putnam,* 
Michael Peinliart, 
Andrew Penny, 
Wilson Rogers, 
Joseph Rood, 
William Sanderson, 
Daniel R. Sanger, 



Peter Scott, 
John Shangnesey, 
Alexander Sliaw, 
Charles Sikes, 
Charles Simonds, 
Erancis F. Simonds, 
Frankliix R. Simonds, 
Josiah Stephens, 
Edward H. Stewart, 
George L. Streeter, 
Addison Waide, 
George Wallace, 
Charles S. Washburn, 
William E. Washburn,* 
Abram W. Watson, 
Lovinslvi White, 
Loren Wood. 



It was remarked by one of the reporters of our centen- 
nial celebration that " the genius of change has conquered 
even this stronghold of old New England conservatism at 
last ; as Ludlow was recalling her most treasured associ- 
ations aroimd the church, Springfield was laying her ob- 
noxious water-pipes at the very door of the old house of 
worship." When, a few months since, the region known 
as Cherry Valley was added to the proposed locations of 
the reservoir for the Springfield water supply, there were 
few, in town or out, who supposed the place would be se- 
lected. The year 1873, however, had not much worn 
away before the announcement was made that Ludlow 
brooks would be diverted into an aqueduct leading to the 
city. The last month of the year found a large number 
of employes at work upon the basin and the eastern dam. 
By the first of April the "basin and its slopes had been 
cleared of wood, enough having been cut off to make a 
solid fence a considerable portion of the way around. On 
the sixth of April the trenching for the pipes was begun 



92 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

and Avoi'k resumed upon the dam. On the ninth of Octo- 
ber the gangs going towards and from Springfield met, 
tluis practically finishing the work of laying the " big 
main." Of this largest piping about a half mile of cast 
iron tube was laid from the southern dam to Higher Brook, 
while cement-lined sheet iron tubes extend from that point 
to the city. The numl)er of acres in the bed of the res- 
ervoir is four hundred and forty-five, to which must be 
added a marginal area of three hundred and sixty acres. 
Of this entire territory two hundred and eighty acres 
were woodland. Six and three-eighths acres of swamp 
have been covered with 13,92-1: cubic yards of sand, and a 
little over one-half as much has been sanded between the 
south dam and the filter. The land was purchased of Ben- 
jamin Sikes and Sons, Reuben Sikes, S. Billings, A. L. 
Bennett, C. S. Bennett, J. L. Banister, Mrs. jNIargaret 
Sikes, M. King and C. W. Alden. A ditch of a mile in 
length turns Higher Brook into the reservoir, and one 
longer and larger taps Broad Brook just north of the 
town line. The work is nearly completed. No pains 
have been spared to put the ]jed of the reservoir into 
proper condition. 

" In excavating for the trench to take the water from the general 
level of the flats ahove the Cherry Vallej'' dam, the material thrown 
out, which consisted for the most part of coarse gravel, was used to 
cover the peaty bottom. The area thus trenched and covered was 
about ten acres. That portion between the Ludlow dam and the filter, 
an area of tliree and three-fourths acres, has been covered witli about 
two feet in depth of good clean sand. From the Ludlow dam, extend- 
ing in tlie A'alley north-easterly on the low ground for about fifteen 
acres, a mass of decaying pine stumps has been pulled out and burned. 
Much pains has been taken to char large stumps wliile burning the 
ground over, and burn tliem up as far. as practicable. For this pur- 
pose a considerable cpiantity of kerosene oil has been used with which 
to ignite them. In this manner, although the stumps would not be 
entirely consumed, the}^ are so far charred or consumed by the opera- 
tion as to be rendered much less harmful than they would otherwise 



LEADING MEIS". 93 

be. Of the peaty and swampy portions of the bed of tlie reservoir, 
none are covered with less than twelve feet of water with a full pond, 
the most of which will not be less than sixteen feet."^'' 

The commissioners under whose direction the enterprise 
has been carried out have been C. 0. Chapin, D. L. Harris, 
A. D. Briggs, S. W. Porter, G. C. Fisk and Horace Smith, 
while Hon. Phinehas Ball of Worcester is chief ensrineer. 
A large number of Ludlow men have been employed as 
overseers or workmen. 

Very little has been said of the men to-day figuring in 
the activities of the world, who claim Ludlow as the place 
of their nativit}^ or early home. While the record is not 
as full as that of some other towns, it may be a fair infer- 
ence that the charms of home have been greater than in 
some localities, the returns for labor so sure that less in- 
centive has been felt here for seeking renown and wealth 
elsewhere. Yet the list, if gathered in full, would show 
no mean array of well-known names. A leading banker 
and very prominent railroad man, just honored with an 
election to Congress ;^^ two clergymen, of different denom- 
inations, useful in their day and generation ;^^ one com- 
bining in his life-work a successful ministerial and educa- 
tional career, at present principal of a leading seminary in 
Vermont ;^^ one known long and honorably in editorial 
labors and the management of prominent State charities ;^^ 
still another, whose efforts in a national position of trust 
were signally successful ;-° another,^^ coming to us years 
ago, founded at Jenksville a boarding-school for young 
ladies, for some time an efficient institution, while the 

i^From Report of Water Commissioners, 1875. 

^•'Hon. Ciiester W. Cli.ipin. 

^'lievs. Simeon Miller, and Damas Brough. 

^'*Rev. Lorenzo White. 

i9Hon. G. M. Fisk. 

=^''Hon. Edwin Booth, 

2iHon. G. Pillsbury. 



94 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

founder received honors at home and abroad ; these, with 
others whose names could readily be recited, show that 
the town need not be ashamed of those who have gone 
from her midst. 

But the age is progressing, and the world calling for 
men and women. However the world may have excused 
LudloAv from giving in the past a larger quota to her ranks 
of workers, the excuse is no longer tenable. To the young- 
men and women of our town there is the highest incentive 
for intellectual and moral attainments. With the broad 
acreage of our domain, handed down from sturdy ances- 
tors, is given the means of acquiring an education as good 
as the land affords. Let us find more Ludlow boys and 
girls in halls of learning, in seminaries, in colleges, in 
universities, in technical schools. To this end let the 
managers of the affairs of the town see to it that no pains 
are spared to secure the broadest and firmest foundation for 
a scholastic training, in the excellence of her own schools. 
The town can vie with any in her manufactures and her 
crops ; let none excel her in giving opportunities for the 
development of the noblest of citizens. 

We must turn our attention to other matters, closing 
here the annals of the town. If there could be a histori- 
cal society organized at once, to collect data that may be 
yet accumulated from the fading records of the past, an- 
other annalist would have reason to thank any who would 
interest themselves in that direction. Who has a sullicient 
love for the memory and traditions of noble ancestors to 
endow with a small sum such an institution ? 



THE CENTENNIAL. 

PROSPECTIVE— ACTUAL— AFTERPAST. 



THE CENTENNIAL. 



PROSPECTIVE. 

The annals of the Bay State had for years declared that in 
the year 1774 the towns of West Springfield, Ludlow, Leverett, 
West Stockbridge and Barre, Mass., and Edgecomb and New 
Gloucester, Me., then of Massachusetts, had been granted their 
distinctive title to separate existence. This fact had from time 
to time attracted the attention of the denizens of Ludlow, and 
awakened some comment upon the question of a celebration 
when the centurj^ should have rounded itself. The commemora- 
tive exercises at the sister town of Wilbraham in 1863, of course 
attracted more or less attention in this adjoining place. But there 
appears to have been no agitation of any account until perhaps 
three 3^ears ago, when Mr. Ambrose Clough, a connoisseur in lo- 
cal histor}', called the attention of some of his fellow-citizens to 
the fact that the town was approaching its hundredth birthday, 
and should not allow the occasion to pass without giving its 
children an invitation home again. Others were evidently much 
interested in this historical fact and heartily seconded the efforts 
of the gentleman named. Indeed, the approaching milestone in 
the race of life seemed to throw its shadow in advance in the 
vision of many a citizen, particularly the elderly ones of the 
town. Nothing was done, however, until the Spring of the year 
1874, when the Selectmen received the following petition : 

" To THE Honorable the Board of Selectmen of the Town of 
Ludlow: 
We, the undersigned, inhabitants and legal voters in the town of 
Ludlow, petition your honorable body to insert an article in your war- 
rant, to see if tlie town will take any measures to celebrate the Centen- 
13 



98 THE CENTENXI^VL. 

nial of the town ; also to appropriate money for the same, and to pass 
all necessary votes. 

Ludlow, February 25th, 1874. 

(Signed) Amhrose Clough, 

B. F. Blur, 
J. P. Hubbard, 
Albert Fuller, 
Gilbert E. Fuller." 

As a result of this petition the article desired appeared in the 
warrant for the Spring meeting of the town. Its insertion seems 
to have awakened a little feeling, but not in any way marked, 
as the citizens very unanimously voted to observe a day of fes- 
tivities. The following makes evident the result of the agita- 
tion so far : 

Original meeting, March 9th. 

"Voted that the town celebrate its Centennial. 

" Voted to choose a committee of seven to carry out the design of 
the town, and that this committee report at the adjourned meeting. 
Ambrose Clough was chosen chairman of the committee, and the other 
members are John P. Hubliard, George E. Clark, B. F. Burr, Rev. C. 
L. Cushman, Eev. Alfred Noon and F. F. McLean. ' 

" Voted to appropriate two hundred and fifty dollars for the same." 

Adjourned meeting, April 6th. 

" Voted to appropriate one hundred and fifty dollars in addition to 
that appropriated at the March meeting, for the Centennial Celebra- 
tion." 

Let no one think the work of these parties was a sinecure. 

The first meeting was held at the house of the chairman on 
the evening of March IGth, but adjourned, with little result, to 
the house of Major Hubbard on the 23d. On that evening Mr. 
B. F. Burr, the ready writer of the town's records, was chosen 
Secretary. From that date the committee met fortnightly, and 
then weekly, at the town house, until after the Centennial. 

In the preliminary arrangements for the celebration of course 
many things were planned which could not be consummated. 
The first choice of the committee for the literary orator Avas 
Rev. J. W. Dadniun of AVinthrop, once pastor of the M. E. 
Church, but home duties prevented his coming. The next vote 



ORATORS AND COMMITTEES. 99 

on this matter was one of invitation to Rev. Prof. G. Prentice of 
Middletown, Conn., also a former pastor of the church just 
named. At first the gentleman was inclined to accept, but 
finally found his labors at the University where he is, of such a 
character as to interfere with the plan of coming here. The 
third choice rested upon Prof. Lorenzo White of New Salem, a 
former resident of the town for a score of years, who "could 
not find it in his heart to refuse the request " of his old town. 
The excellence of the address will be marked b}^ every reader. 

Not so long a delay was experienced in securing the services 
of the historical orator. The first request was to Rev. Mr. Aus- 
tin of Connecticut, the last minister employed as pastor by the 
town of Ludlow. Poor health prevented his acceptance, and the 
choice then was Rev. J. W. Tuck of Jewett City, Conn., for six- 
teen years pastor of the Congregational Church, whose able ad- 
dress, spoken to the audience at the Centennial, dissemhiated 
through the region by the enterprise of the press, and now placed 
in an enduring form, has become a constituent element in the 
historic annals of the town. 

The following scheme shows concisely the doings of the gen- 
eral committee, as finally revised, in the selection of sub-com- 
mittees : 

On Collation : — District No. 1. Andrew E. C. Bartlett, Amnie 
Hubbard. 

2. John W. Hubbard, Addie F. Hubbard. 

3. Gillen D. Atchinson, Estelle Newell. 

4. F. F. McLean, Ellen Root. 

5. D. C. Jones, Henrietta Chapin. 

6. William P. Clark, Angeline White. 

7. Charles S. Bennett, Maria Sikes. 

8. Elliot 0. Alden, Florence Graves. • 

9. Alanson Pool, Carrie R. Waid. 
10. Lucien Lyon, Alice Kendall. 

Ox fxviTATiON. — Rev. C. L. Cushman, George R. Clark. 

On Music— Davenport L. Fuller, Alfred S. Putnam, Wilbur F. 
Miller, Henry S. Jones, Edward E. Fuller. 

Ox Finance. — Samuel Wliite, Edward E. Fuller, John Ray, Austin 
F. Nash, David C. Jones, Silas Billings, Reuben Sikes. 

On Programme. — Rev. C. L. Cushman, L. H. Brigham, Edmund 
E. Charles, Rev. Alfred Noon, Ambrose Clougli, C. A. Southworth. 



100 THE CENTEXXIAL. 

On Sentiments. — John P. Hubbard, C. L. Bucll, Jackson Cady, 
L. H. Brigham, B. Pillsbury. 

On Printing. — Rev. C. L. Cushman, George E. Clark, B. P. Burr, 

On Facts, Portraits, etc. — George K. Clark, Ambrose Clougli, 
C. L. Buell, John Hobson, Jr. 

On Decorations. — Eliza Jones, Genevra B. McLean, Ella Jones, 
Susan Fuller, Lucy E. Booth, Anna S. Bennett, Belle L. Kendall, 
Nellie Buffington, Jennie Green, Lily T. Sargent, Mrs. IST. B. Paulk. 

On Arrangements and Receptions. — C. L. Buell, D. L. Fuller, 
Silas Billings, Reuben Sikes, Austin C. Gove, Lyman Burr, Adin 
Whitney, Lucius Simonds, David K. Paine, Charles Sikes, Oliver B. 
Miller, Albert Fuller, F. F. Fairbanks. 

President of the Day. — Rev. Alfred Noon. 

Vice-Presidents. — Elisha T. Parsons, Rev. D. K. Banister, Syl- 
vester Miller, Hezekiah Root, Theodore Sikes, George Clark, Ezekiel 
Fuller, Artemas H. Whitney, John Miller, Sylvester Clark, Jonathan 
Waid, Stillman Alden, Zachariah Day, Spencer Talmadge, Aaron 
Davis, Franklin Fuller, Jacob S. Eaton, Daniel Brewer, Elijah Plum- 
ley, Marvin King, Henry Fuller, Hubbard Dutton, R. M. Chandler, 
Josiah Alden, Orsemus Alden, Lyman Burr, Gordon Pinney. 

Marshal. — J. P. Hubbard. 

Assistant Marshals. — Wilbur F. Miller, John W. Hubbard, 
James 0. Kendall, Lucius Simonds, Austin F. Nash. 

The collation committee organized Avith F. F. McLean for 
chairman. They voted to invite the town to furnisli bread and 
butter, cake, doughnuts, cheese, cold meats, tea and coffee. 
The following result of a canvass of the various districts for 
eatables may be of interest to the committee arranging for the 
next centennial : 

Biscuits, buttered, . . 3,807 C^dce, loaves, 400 

Doughnuts, .... 2,165 Tarts, 750 

Besides, there were purchased for distribution : 

27 lbs. of dried beef, 200 lbs. of tongues, 
150 lbs. of ham, 15 lbs. of bologna, 

^ bbl. of pickles, 10 lbs. of tea, 

15 lbs. of coffee, 204 lbs. of cheese, 

190 lbs. of crackers, 100 lbs. of sugar. 

Upon Reuben Sikes fittingly devolved the duties of chief 
waiter, while his assistants were legion. 



VAEIOUS ARRANGEMENTS. 101 

The committee on invitations sent out a large number of let- 
ters and circulars, besides specially inviting certain dignitaries, 
as the correspondence read after the collation will show. 

The committee on music worked hard and successfully. One 
and two rehearsals a week gave after a while great proficiency 
to the singers. D. L. Fuller was chosen leader, and A. S. Put- 
nam organist, while the Armory Band of Springfield was se- 
lected to furnish music of its kind. 

The committee on printing at first issued five hundred notes 
of invitation, on postal cards, reading thus : 

CENTENNIAL AT LUDLOW. 

The old town invites all her children and children's children, former 
residents and friends, to celebrate her hundredth birthday on the 17th 
day of June next. 

This is to invite most cordially, you and yours, to be present and 
participate in the festivities of the occasion. 

Come one, come all, for one joyous reunion. 

The number being inadequate, two hundred more were ob- 
tained, all too few, as the sequel showed. They further issued 
schedules of committees, in two editions, of which over two 
hundred were distributed. Ten thousand programs provided 
under their auspices were very soon taken up on the opening 
of the exercises. 

The committee on facts made little demonstration, but were 
very busy and very useful, as many of the notes in this volume 
may testify. 

Tire committee on decorations arranged very tastefully the 
tables in the display tent, with flowers and evergreens, while 
they showed rare taste in elegantly festooning the tents, besides 
in an emblematic banner, bearing the legend, '* Welcome to our 
Centennial," and the two dates 1774 and 1874, the one in sere 
and yellow leaf of age, the other in brilliant foliage of the day. 

Next, however, to the Centennial committee in careful plan- 
nings and extensive labors, came the committee on arrangements 
and reception. The only instructions of note given them were 
to arrange for a free collation and find sitting accommodations 
for fifteen hundred persons, while upon them devolved the task 
of providing a place, securing crockery, arranging the details of 



]02 THE CEXTEXNIAL. 

the day's accommodations, and a myriad of little duties which 
could not be anticipated and yet must be performed. Two cir- 
cular tents, one a hundred and one sixty feet in diameter, Avere 
placed upon the green near the town-house, and the old pews 
to a considerable extent removed from that ancient edifice, much 
to the joy of voters. The area tlins obtained was devoted to 
the purposes of the celebration. The town-house was the gen- 
eral depository of food and crockery, the smaller tent contained 
tables for display of a moiety of the good things so freely fur- 
nished, while the larger canvas covered a net-work of plank seats 
and an ample platform for musicians and dignitaries. Six thou- 
sand three hundred and seventy pieces of crockery, a load for 
seven horses, were obtained from tlie mother city, all of which 
was requisite. Arrangements were also made for the conve3'ance 
of passengers from the depots. 

At last the arrangements were pronounced complete, and the 
day of days for Ludlow began to dawn. Alas for human plans. 
Could heaven frown upon such efforts ? No ball had been ar- 
ranged for the finale of the exercises or as their initial. All had 
been performed with the strictest decorum, and yet the day-break 
exhibited humid skies and rain-drenched ground. The commit- 
tee arose with anxiety, and one and another looked eagerly for 
the signs of fair weather. " How do you feel ? " said one of the 
connuittee to the indefatigable chairman. " First-rate," was 
the cheering reply, and the others caught its sx)irit. Down 
came the rain in genial showers, until an hour or two before the 
time for the exercises to begin, Avhen Pluvius had satiated him- 
self, and the rain ceased. Meanwhile the crowds began to start 
from their homes, and about the hour for the opening of the 
exercises every shed and shelter for a team had been long since 
filled. At last the appointed time arrived, and all were pre- 
pared to enjoy the Centennial Actual. 






^S^S^S^^^^* 




I i8T4 1 



^i'®^ 



^iSi- 



^«^ 



'tjaj^SSja*^:^' 



o 



Cv 



5) 



;^^ sii^^^cv, 



%. 



•<s> 



^o TTJsr 



jMrn 












Mm^ 

w..^.. 



Q H??^' 




qfS?.?'/ 



j^z^ Ludlozu, Jllass., 



Ml 



EQ\lESQ\Yf J^'f^^ 



Iftf, I' 



t ^4 




Servicts to CommeDce at 10 1-2 o'clock A. M. 



mu 






#^ 




*^-Clark W. Bryan & Company, Printers, Springfield, Ma&=. 



"iii^^"''2'*''»^'''is^ ''^"^ Si^O'J^S 'j(^^i^afI-^.'-<^r'^.'^i 



-<yr'-^j^-Y 



I, — Music by the Band. 
2. — Singing. 



•Prayer. 



REV. D. K, BANISTER, OF LUDLOW. 



4. — Reading of Scripture. 

REV. SIMEON MILLER, OF SPRINGFIELD. 
5. — Original Centennial Hymn. 

God of our Fathers, no^Ar to Thee 

\A/e lift our hearts with glad acclaim, 

Rejoicing in that liberty 

Vouchsafed to thenn who love Thy nanne. 

The generations live and die. 

The earth itself is growing old, 

But Thou, O Lord I art ever nigh. 
Thou dost the sands of ages hold. 

We recognize Thy loving hand, 

\A/liose gentle guidings have been felt 

By sir'es and sons throughout the land. 
While under care divine they dwelt. 

Receive our praise, Messiah King, 

NA'hile here we count thy nnercies o'er; 

Accept the offering we bring. 

And nnake us thine foreverniore. 







6. — Greeting. 

REV. C. L. CUSHMAN, OF LUDLOW. 

7. — Music by the Band. 

8. — Literary Address, with Response to Greeting. 
REV. L. WHITE, OF NEW SALEM. 

9. — Singing. 

10. — Historical Address. 

REV. J. W. TUCK, OF JEWETT CITY, CT. 



I I. — Music by the Band. 
I 2. — Prayer. 
13. — Doxology. 
14. — Benediction. 





14 




Old 5^olk0' Coricert 




COIIGREGATIOIIAL CHURCH, 

O.N THE 

JE-veixtTxg of JTziize 17tlx 



PART FIRST. 
I. — Anthem for Easter. 

2. — a. "Sherburne." b. " Northfield." c. "Rainbow." 

3. — Piano and Cornet Duet 

MR. WILSOM and MR. SOUTHLAND. 

4.— Duett, " In the Starlight." 

5. — a " China." b. " Gieenwich." 

6 — Song, selected. 



7. — Male Quartette. 
8. — Cornet Solo. 

9. — " Invitation." 



MISS GENEVRA McLEAN. 



MR. SOUTHLAND. 



PART SECOND, 

I. — Piano and Cornet Duett. 

MR. WILSON and MR. SOUTHLAND. 
2. — a. " Montgonnery." b. " Bridgewater.'' c. "Tuiner." 
3. — Song, Chalet Horn. 

MISS GENEVRA McLEAN. 
4. — " David's Lamentat'on " 
5. — Mixed Quartette. 
6. — Cornet Solo. 

MR. SOUTHLAND. 
7. — a. " Majesty." b. " New Jerusalem." 
8. — " Coronation," in which all are inv.ted to join. 



All liail the power of Jesus' name! 

I,et an^iels firostrate fall; 
Bring forth tlnf royal diailem. 

And crown him Lord of all. 



O, that with yonder ."sacred tlirong, 

We at his feet may tall ; 
We'll join tlie everlasting song, 

And crown him Lord of all. 




lliQ Concert ivill commence at 7 1-2 o'clock 

W. r. MILLEE, Conductor. 




THE CENTENNIAL. 



ACTUAL. 

The speakers were assigned tlieir places; the musicians took the 
seats prepared for them ; the marshals occupied their posts of duty ; 
the audience quietl}^ sought accommodations in iind about the vast 
tent, now all too small ; the Bohemians were already writing up the 
exercises in advance. Upon honorary seats near the speaker's desk 
were ranged the old and elderly men of the town : Sylvester Miller, 
over ninety, the oldest of all ; Col. John Miller, Sylvester Clark, Theo- 
dore Sikes, Esq., George Clark, Orsemus Alden, Rev. D. K. Banister, 
Ezekiel Fuller, Harry Fuller, Jonathan Waid, Dea. Elisha T. Parsons, 
Franklin Fuller, Lyman Burr, Elisha Plumley, Marvin King, Artemas 
Whitney, Stillmau Alden, Hezekiah Root, Hubbard Button and oth- 
ers, while near them were invited guests : Elijah Blake, Chester W. 
Chapin, J. A. Rumrill, Mayor Stebbins, Aldermen Holt and Fuller, Dea. 
Roderick Burt and others of Springfield, and others still from towns 
nearer or more remote. Austin Chapman came from Ellington, Conn., 
while Joseph INIiller, over eighty years of age, who had traveled more 
than four hundred miles to attend the gathering, arrived at four in 
the afternoon. Goodly numbers had on previous days arrived at the 
homes of their friends, taking the ver}' favorable opportunity pre- 
sented for a visit to the old landmarks. Some had been born here ; 
some had here chosen the companions of their youth, perhajis remem- 
bering at this anniversary the "publishment" by crier or jiosted no- 
tice; some had seen their loved ones laid dway iu graves now marked 
by mossy monuments, or more recently had visited the old town to- 
attend funereal service. How sad and yet liow interesting the greet- 
ings of these old friends! Surely all this painstaking was more than 
recompensed by the gladness of reunion or the tenderness of reminis- 
cence. The programme, which has been elegantly reproduced on the 
previous pages, was then handed aronnrl. 



108 TnE CENTENXIAL. 

A fine selection played by the band sent a thrill of inspiration 
through the audience, after which the exercises were formally opened, 
and the grand choir sang with a will "Strike the Cymbal" and 
" Home, Sweet Home." Rev Daniel K. Banister, formerly a pastor in 
the town, next led the congregation in a fervent and earnest prayer. 
Rev. Simeon Miller, a native of Ludlow, read selections from the 
Scripture appropriate to the occasion.^ The next exercise consisted of 
the singing of the Centennial hymn, composed for the occasion by the 
pastor of the Methodist church. The grand strains in the old tune 
" Devotion " rang out like a chorus at the Peace Jubilee, as the whole 
audience united voice and heart in praise. Rev. C. L. Cushman, then 
pastor of the Congregationalist Church, next delivered the following 
address of welcome : 

REV. MR. CUSHMAN'S ADDRESS OF WELCOME. 

Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen : It has been said by some 
one that there is a class of rather solitary people, who, having reached 
a certain age, never more grow old. Perpetual youth is what they 
crave. But we, sir, are proud of our age. The old mother is, to-day, 
a centenarian, and yet she greets her children in the beauty and 
freshness of a youthful maiden. We call you to note her youthful 
appearance. Standing at the opening of a second century, she never 
looked so fair, so unwrinkled, so youthful as now. 

Despite the prevalent indifference to genealogy and to ancestry 
which so far influenced the early settlers that they neglected to pre- 
serve and transmit to us connected and reliable memorials of them- 
selves, it was somehow discovered that the town was reaching its 
one-hundredth birthday. With a quite marked unanimity of feeling 
it was thought that the event must not pass without a public recogni- 
tion in the shape of a family gathering of sons and daughters from 
far and near. The objects were the gathering into a connected form 
for preservation our hitherto fragmentary history, the renewal of old 
friendships, the awakening of a family pride in all hearts, the culti- 
vation of becoming reverence for the past, and the bringing of all who 
were born here into an acquaintance with the place of their nativity. 
It is a matter of regret that in New England there has prevailed so 
great indifference to the men and to the things of the past. No peo- 

iThe selections were Psa. 80 : 1, 90 : 1-G, 78 : 1-7. 



ADDRESS OF WELCOME. 109 

pie have so great reason to value their descent as the native-born 
citizens of onr land. Yet, as a fact, no people on earth concern 
themselves so little about their ancestry or, after the first degree, feel 
so little interest in consanguinity. In reply to the question whether 
such a one is a relative, the negative is given, simply beciause he is 
onl}'- a second cousin. If you ask one who was his grandfather he 
may be able to tell you, but if you ask where he came from, you will 
quite likely be answered in some such dubious and traditionary form as 
the following: "I have heard my father say that his father came 
from the East or from the South, etc." This ignorance is, of course, 
the result of indifference. Let us rejoice that this indifference is be- 
ginning to be corrected. 

AVe have projected this celebration, to-day, to help in breaking up 
this indifference. We do not claim that the 17th of June was the ex- 
act natal day, but near enough to it to warrant its use as such. We 
have, however, chosen it largely because there is no month like June, at 
least till golden-sheaved October comes. Nature is the universal attrac- 
tion. It has been well said the flowering time of the year is its fresh 
and virginal period, and surely there is none so enchanting. June is 
surely a gift out of the heavens. Birds and flowers, beautiful ex- 
pressions of God's thoughts, make life charming. So, then, the 
mother has shown her good sense in inviting home her children, when 
she herself is clad in almost celestial beauty. 

We are here, to-day, as one family, brought together by this natal 
occasion, to visit the old family homestead. Let us feel like children, 
unbend and give way to the impulses of the hour. 

Requested as I am to speak words of greeting in the name of my 
fellow-citizens and of the committee of arrangements, it gives me 
pleasure to reflect that if we have never been noted for great men 
and great things, we have at least taken care of ourselves and kept 
out of prison. Scarcely a name has been on the convict roll. The 
retirement of the town has been fitted to foster simplicity of feeling 
and of character. It has been a definition of a wise and pure life to 
live according to nature. Such a mode of living is well nigh impossi- 
ble in the crowded life of cities and large towns. The formalities, the 
spirit of caste and clique, the t3'railny of opinion, make it hard for a 



110 THE CENTENNIAL. 

niiui to be true to nature and true to liinisolf. Tlie soul becomes 
artificial without knowing it, ceases to think its own thoughts and 
forsakes truth for the voice of the ruling caste. In such cases and 
places, politeness is wont to be a rule committed to memory and not a 
prompting of nature. An external standard seizes a man and moulds 
him into a thing of show and quite likely of falsehoods. Some one 
has somewhere said simplicity and honesty are the gold of character, 
but surely how hard are they to keep, and how rare to find. Now 
these traits have always been nourished and [)erfected in this rural 
retreat, away from much of the gloss and falsehood which are wont to 
abound in the largest communities. 

So, then, we congratulate ourselves that we have grown and sent 
out to other communities the best material, the very bone and sinew 
of which they are made. As such we welcome you home to-day, to 
view the rock whence ye were hewn. We are proud of you for the 
most part. Nobly did our town respond to the country's call, and 
many of her sons sleep beneath the Southern sky. Nobly has she 
alwaj^s done her part. Nobly does she sustain the institutions of 
religion. In fact she has ever been true to high-toned principle. 

The old town is much changed. Even her woods and "templed 
hills " fail to remain intact. Her fine farm-houses tell of thrift and 
comfort, if not of wealtli and luxury. We promise more in the fu- 
ture. We are here, to-day, to assert anew our right to be, to take a 
new lease of life, to push ourselves nearer to the front in the family 
of towns. Before we surrender the trust by you committed to us, we 
propose to transmit it to posterity greatly enlarged. Everything be- 
tokens that the Ludlow of the future will not be the Ludlow of the 
past. Henceforth we are to be connected with our city friends by 
iron bands; and, ladies and gentlemen, we shall be the head, while, 
by their own decree, they will be one of our dep-^^-ndencies. Or, for 
the moment, waiving that point, if Ave shall prove true to the con- 
fidence reposed in us, and if — if — our prevalent drouths shall not 
prove too much for us, we shall be the source and fountain. We pro- 
pose to carry this uncoveted honor with becoming dignity and grace, 
and conspicuoiTsly to wear the sparkling jewel so long as our rocks 
and hills shall endure. 



ADDRESS OF WELCOME. Ill 

My friends, this is a birthday party, and it is a solemn and im- 
pressive thought that we shall never see the like again. All of our 
names will be checked on the roll of living men before another. A 
gentleman was lately overheard declaring that he would have nothing 
to do with another centennial ! We appreciate his sentiments. The 
next we shall keep on the eternal plains. We are then treading on 
sacred ground. Age is everywhere entitled to reverence and honor. 
The old town never seemed so sacred as now. Reverence, faith, en- 
tire good will become the hour. 

In the name and in behalf of my fellow-townsmen, I bid you wel- 
come. We are glad to see you. Your presence does us good. We 
are glad you have' not forgotten or lost your love for the old home- 
stead. We should have been recreant to real fraternal feeling if we 
did not invite you home and make ready our best for you. Whether 
the fatted calf is or is not made ready, I will not say, but I assure you 
there has been no stint in this getting ready. This is a hearty wel- 
come. With most cordial affection we greet you ; glad to take by the 
hand many of you who have long been known to us as personal 
friends; we greet those most kindly, who, on returning, find them- 
selves strangers in the land of their birth. We hail with gladness 
our gray-haired and venerable men who occupy a well-deserved prom- 
inence. A hoary head is surely a crown of glory if it be found in the 
way of righteousness. We know it was with unwonted pleasure that 
these, our venerable fathers, saw this moA'ement set on foot. We 
rejoice in 3'our presence here, to-day. Welcome ! welcome ! honored 
sires, fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters. Kindred, all, we bid 
you welcome home. We have come to talk of olden times. We have 
come to honor the dead, and to carry away with us, if we ma}^, some 
benefit from such filial homage, for ourselves and for our children. 
How unwonted our emotions ! We welcome you to the home of your 
earlier years, to the altars of your God, and to the graves of your kin- 
dred. Let us to-day press around the time-worn graves of our dead. 
Let the finest sentiments of the heart prevail. Let friendship be re- 
newed. 

Welcoming one another to these assemblies on earth, and hailing 
this occasion for the expression of confidence and love ; coming 



112 THE CENTENNIAL. 

together by the will of God, may you with us be refreshed, and our 
thoughts run forward to that day when all the servants of Christ, 
coming from the east and from the west, from the north and from the 
south, shall meet together at the harvest home in the end of the 
world. So it is that our hopes of heaven enter into the welcome we 
once more give you. Modest old town, may she more than ever he 
the love and delight of her sons and daughters ! 

A Literary Address, with reply to the Greeting, occupied the next 
half hour. Prof. Lorenzo White, then of New Salem, now principal 
of Vermont Methodist Seminary and Female College, opened his ora- 
tion with a few pleasant words not in the manuscript, saying that 
although not a native of the town he had come within its limits when 
a boy of four, and received all his early training in its society and 
schools. Then followed the Address, as follows : — 

ADVANTAGES OF LIFE IN A COUNTKY TOWN. 

The address of welcome to which we have just listened may seem to 
one who lias come to see what we are doing to-day, as nothing more 
than a formality in the carr3'ing out of a prearranged programme. 
Doubtless your words of greeting have been spoken according to a 
prescribed order of exercises in the celebration of your Centennial. 
But in this you have only conformed to a higher law to which we owe 
allegiance at all times. The order of the day obeys the spirit of the 
day. To us, who are here in response to your invitation, these words 
are full of meaning. They come to us freighted with pleasant memo- 
ries — memories, in the case of many of us, fragrant with the loves 
and joys of childhood. We are glad to be here, and to feel that we 
are at home with you. Our esteemed friend who has so well spoken 
your greetings to us returning wanderers, skilled though he be in the 
use of words as a fine art, could not, if he would, cheat us with fine 
phrases. We have heard his voice with gladness becauses it harmo- 
nizes with all the other voices about us. He has but rendered into 
graceful English the greetings wherewith these hills and valleys and 
brooks with which we were once so delightfully familiar had already 
welcomed us — the same old hills and vales over which and through 
which we so often roamed in childhood, and the same loved brooks 
where we fished and bathed and frolicked, and in which we built res- 



RESPOXSIVE ADDRESS. 113 

ervoirs that always served their purpose well, and did no harm. 
Smiles and looks of w^elcome, too, w^e receive on every hand from old 
school-mates and play-fellows — the same boys with whom we always 
had good times, and the same girls whom we boys used to think tlie 
fairest and best. The}' do not look just as they used to, and we are 
not sorry, for they point us with pride to their daughters wlio are as 
fair as ever the}' were, and w'ho wonderfully bear their likeness, while 
they themselves have just changed in the order of a happy develop- 
ment. They seem only to have been born into a freer and larger and 
grander life. The}' have just outgrown the bloom of girlhood, and 
have put on the riper, richer charms of womanhood, and most of them 
of wifehood and motherhood. And we boys, as we feel ourselves to- 
day — if we have been true to the charter of virtue — love them as 
much as we loved them when they were girls, with the love that every 
true man has a right to cherish towards every true woman with 
whose acquaintance he is blessed. 

Even the children of to-day, many of them, do not seem strangers 
to us. Their tell-tale faces show their ancestry. They are so like 
the faces of their fathers and mothers, and grandfathers and grand- 
mothers, that I often know them as soon as I see them, and the 
children quickly know those who know them. These rushing hours 
speedily make us old friends with them. But we find yet other 
friends here w'ho pleasantly remind us of the good days of yore. 
These grand old trees which stood here when the old men of to-day 
were boys, trees which even the greedy axe has not dared to destroy, 
wave their greeting to us in the morning breeze, and from their wide- 
spreading branches, clad in richest foliage, come the greetings of the 
birds, caroled in their sweetest songs, while all about us, too, even the 
wayside and hillside flowers, looking up to us lovingly, claim us as 
their friends and bid us welcome. And well they may. Though 
these birds and flowers are not just the same that we used to know 
and love, they are so raarvelously like them tliat they must be the 
children undegenerate of the very old birds and flowers of our child- 
hood through a line of I Icnow not how many generations. The 
mother bird has, from year to year, taught her offspring the same 

sweet songs, and the mother-plant with unerring care has transmitted 
15 



114 THE CENTENNIAL. 

to the babv-plant the same exquisite taste and skill, in displaying its 
charms and diffusing its fragrance. 

It AA-as a happy thought or hit with you to select the charming 
month of June, when Nature lias just arrayed her.self anew in her 
most beautiful attire, as the time of year for holding these exercises; 
for these blessed children of nature have a right to join with us in the 
celebration of our Centennial. They were old citizens here long be- 
fore the first visit of our ancestors to this continent. They welcomed 
our fathers here a hundred j^ears ago with the same melodies, the 
same gorgeous display of their charms, the same wealth of fragrance, 
with which they welcome us to-day. 

I can not hcli") remarking here that the fashions of Nature do not 
change, except only as culture develops them more perfectly, and com- 
bines them more skillfully, and I am sure none of us would have them 
change otherwise. Ought we to imitate Nature in this respect, think 
you, and to hand doNvn the same fashions from generation to genera- 
tion ? Not certainly till human taste shall be so cultivated as to give 
us fashions true to nature, and even then there will be room for new 
combinations in infinite variety. Is it not just here that Nature sug- 
gests to us the true solution of the fashion problem? But this only 
in parenthesis. 

On this very year of our Centennial, Iceland celebrates her millen- 
nial. Who shall say that the robins, the blue-birds, the violets, the 
roses, the daisies and their numerous kindred of other names, and 
along with them the trees as well — the maple, the elm, the pine, and 
the oak — have not this same year a good right to celebrate the millen- 
nial of their occupancy of these loved retreats ? Pioneers and teachers 
they were to our fathers, and thej'^ are to us, prophets, too, are they of 
a better time coming, if we will learn from them their lessons of taste 
and purity, and sweetness and strength. A millennium they foretell 
just as glorious as we will make it. Divine sovereignty in the case is 
the assurance of God's blessing upon our honest and well-directed 
efforts. 

Considerable are the improvements even in this country town which 
a hundred years have wrought. Providence has, through the fidelity, 
the hardship, and the wisdom of our fathers, committed to us the 



EESrOXSIVE ADDRESS. 115 

trust of these cultivated lands, these pleasant homes, these churches 
and schools — in a word, the advantages, such as they are, of life in a 
country toxcn. What have we to do to transmit these blessings to 
those who shall come after us, and to multipl}- tlicm so as to nialce the 
future wliat it should be? is the question, then, which the occasion 
gives us with such emphasis that I need offer no apology for making 
it the starting-point of a few suggestions. 

The inspirations of this glad Centennial day awaken, I doubt not, 
a desire among the people of the town to act each a good part in his 
day, and may well culminate in an ambition satisfied with nothing 
less than the best things — a steadily-increasing prosperity for your 
goodly town, and the brightest and happiest future for the genera- 
tions coming. 

Indulge me, will you not? in saying xoe to-day as much as I liave a 
mind to, for I have always loved to think of mj'self as one of you, and 
in this I know I am not alone among those who are counted as guests 
here to-day. "While we have found homes in other places, our hearts 
are not bounded by the limits of our new homes. We do not have to 
give you up to make room for new friends. In coming here we are like 
married daughters, who, returning each thanksgiving day to their 
father's with their new recruits of young life, always speak of going 
home. 

The first Centenary of the town of Ludlow to-da}' becomes historic, 
and we are all anticipating with much jjleasure, the address which shall 
more fully make it our own by unfolding to us its records and its les- 
sons. It is in the light of the present as well as of the past, that on 
this day we look forward. And our path is a plain one. If we would 
make the future bright and prosperous, such as shall give us a claim 
on the gratitude of those who may follow us, then we have simply to 
be true to this goodly inheritance received from our fathers. 

But to be true to this sacred trust, to make the most of our advan- 
tages, we must shun the perils which experience has taught us our lia- 
bility to meet. 

It is wise, then, that we pause just here for a moment amidst the 
rejoicings of our Centennial Jubilee, and face the dangers against 
which even the comparative security of country life is not always proof. 



116 THE CENTENNIAL. 

It would be out of place here to rehearse the catalogue of -sins 
which are everywhere the peril of careless lives. I must take for 
granted that those whom I have the honor to address to-day, are 
chaste, temperate, ujtright, industrious and frugal. If any of them 
are not so, they ought to be, and by all means they had better be. 
But life, even on this higher plane, where crime is rare, has its fail- 
ures. Indeed, every plane of life, till you rise to Heaven itself, has 
its evils to be avoided, and the higher you go in the scale of being, 
the more deplorable is the ruin which these threaten. 

Hence, it now and then comes to pass in the country', that just at 
the point where intelligent industry with frugality has won thrift and 
competency, and has thus reached the plane of the highest financial 
independence that mortals ever can attain, there begins to spring up in 
the family an ambition for city style. I am warranted, if I mistake 
not, in taking for granted that the good sense and good blood of the 
thrifty farmers of Ludlow is generally a guaranty against this evil. 
This foolish ambition, however, is singularly blinding to its victims, 
and a word of caution even to the wise may not be out of place. 

It need not be urged that attempts at imitation are generally fail- 
ures, and that the actors besides are very likely to cut awkward fig- 
ures. It is said that the young men of Byron's time who thought to 
imitate his genius, only got so far as to make themselves ludicrous by 
mimicking his limping gait and more limping morals. So it com- 
monly happens that would-be imitations in the country of city life, 
turn out to be only ajiings, and that, too, not of that which is worth 
copying, but of the weaknesses and vices of the city — the shoddy pa- 
rade and slavish subserviency to position and power of those who have 
not learned to wear the honors of city life with good grace. 

But this evil is sure in due time to cure itself. Fifth Avenue st3'le 
in a farmer's home never fails to show itself, sooner or later, to be as 
absurd as would be the attempt to devote our New England lands to 
the raising of tropical fruits. We have all seen enough of this mis- 
take to understand its results. It means heav}' and steadily-increas- 
ing debts, irredeemable mortgages, bad dreams, haunted rooms, for- 
feited credit, seedy garments, an aspect of decay within and without, 
a general unhingement of manhood and womanhood, and then bank- 



EESrONSIYE ADDEESS. 117 

ruptcy, or else that whicli is worse — an old age oppressed with intol- 
erable burdens. 

The failures of country life are chiefly traceable to causes working 
nearer the other extreme of society. Not in the excesses of taste and 
style lurks the demon that oftenest plays first tyrant and then de- 
stroyer in homes of industry. As the foremost or parent evil among 
upright and energetic farmers, I incline to place the tendency' of both 
men and women to become working macliines, appendages, the one 
sex to the soil and the other to the house. I do not refer now spe- 
cially to the overwork so common that breaks down the constitution 
and shortens life ; for even in the country dissipation doubtless slays 
more than work does, and when overwork brings premature death, 
that is not the great evil in the case. But your mere workers may 
be philosphers enough to adjust the daily demand on their strength 
to the daily supply', and so drag out the full measure of their days, 
though whether they do or not is of comparatively small account. 
Tlie abominable thing is, that man should be degraded to the rank of 
the instruments which he wields. The curse lies in the debasing, not 
in the shortening of life. 

- The first result of this all work and no play is to make Jack a dull ' 
boy, and next a dull man, if he lives to be one, who, because he is 
more a machine than a man, drops naturally into the old ruts of his 
fathers, is incapable of accepting improvements, but plods blindly on, 
absurdly seeking to perpetuate ideas and customs which the world has 
outgrown, mistakes narrowness for independence, stupidity for con- 
stancy, penuriousness for economy, shows but slight appreciation of 
the beautiful, pays his church dues as a kind of future life insurance 
demand, regards money expended for books and pictures as wasted, 
and the education of his children as useless, save only as the outfit of 
a drudge like himself. Call this an extreme case, if you please. I 
mean it as such. But remember that sins invariably lead to extremes. 

Extremes are not always reached in a day. But let a man only con- 
sent to be a mere working machine, and to make his wife and cliildren 
the same, or no matter if the wife leads in the case, and in due time 
tliis very extreme will be gained, if not in his day, then in his chil- 
dren's. But let him not flatter himself that he is becoming rich. Such 



118 THE CENTENNIAL. 

a man is not a possessor at all. The farm or the shop, from first to 
last, owns him, and works him as its slave. If we would escape these 
results, then we must shun the sin which leads to them. 

Our fathers were hard workers, it is true, and we can not say that 
they were always wise; hut it is the evidences wliicli we see to- 
day of the subordination in a good degree of work to the higher pur- 
poses of life, that inspires for them our respect and gratitude. They 
not only made for themselves homes of comfort, and caused their lands 
to yield for them the supplies demanded for physical life, hut they 
also early founded churches and schools, and cheerfully sustained 
them from their scanty and hard-earned means. Not least among the 
legacies which they have left to us is their own example of self-sacri- 
fice in behalf of their children. They have don.e their part well, and 
have thus made it our duty to show that the oft-repeated claim of Xew 
England farmers, " we build school-houses and raise men," is no idle 
boast. 

To be true to the fathers, our first duty is to be men. Use, then, 
the good things of life, and let them not use yon. 

Be a free man, not a slave. Make your homestead not your work- 
shop, nor your prison, nor your world, all which terms in this connec- 
tion mean about the same thing; but make it what home should be, 
as beautiful as your means will permit; at all events, make it within 
doors and without so bright and cheerful, and so warm and radiant 
with love, as to charm the faculties of your children into joyous and 
healthful exercise. And you may be assured the work will not suffer 
as the result. Make work a delight, a fine art; infuse into it the 
plaj' element; give brain and heart their natural right of dominion 
over muscle, and we can do a third more work, and do it better, with 
only the weariness that makes rest sweet and dreams pleasant. And 
then, too, home, in its industrial character, will become what Heaven 
designed it to be, a g3'^ranasium for the free and happy development 
and training of mind and body. 

There can be no doubt that the right of every man under our free 
government to sell his property when he pleases, even though it be 
the old homestead of his fathers, is a wise provision. Though the ex- 
ercise of this right greatly modifies our local attachments, making 



EESPONSIVE ADDRESS. 119 

thorn less a clinging to the soil, this is on the whole a great advan- 
tage. Fostered by our educational agencies, its tendency is to the cul- 
tivation of a nobler style of patriotism, a love that rises above mere 
matter and place, and cares rather for institutions and principles and 
life. 

^y frequent transfers of real estate it has actually come to pass 
that comparativeh^ few occupy the houses and lands of their fathers. 
But if 3'ou live where the ancestors of your neighbor lived, somebody 
else lives on the old homestead of j'our fathers, and plucks the fruit 
fi'om orchards which they planted, and mows the green fields which 
their skillful hands first brought under culture. These changes, then, 
in the ownership of real estate, are but the interchange of trusts com- 
mitted to us by our fathers, and it is all the same though the bound- 
ary line of towns comes between. Our obligation is none the less to 
enter into the labors of those who have lived and wrought before us. 

He who has planted a tree, and by careful culture has made it fair 
and thrifty and fruitful, has a claim upon those who come after him 
that they shall take care of it, and, when it dies, plant another in its 
stead ; and so, in general, of whatever improvements he has made dur- 
ing his occupancy. With peculiar emphasis is this true of all that con- 
tributes to make our homes beautiful. He whose industry and good 
taste has made his buildings and grounds a paradise, is a benefactor of 
the entire community, and of every pilgrim passer-by ; and no man 
can with money purchase the moral right to lay them waste, or neg- 
lect them. Money may buy these goodl}"- acres, but the beaut}^ that, 
covers them is the common heritage of all who have minds and hearts 
to enjoy it. To heathenize grounds that our fathers have Christian- 
ized is treason. However, then, the improvements of a centur}', have 
come into our hands, whether by direct inheritance or by purchase, 
they are a trust to be kept faithfully, and transmitted to those who 
may follow us. 

The advantages of life in tlie country, just as in the city, are, for 
the greater part, what we make thorn. But take our good country 
homes as we find them, or as they find us, and they will, I believe, all 
things considered, bear comparison with the best which the city af- 
fords. But it is what the country affords, more or less, that is ours, 



120 THE CENTENNIAL. 

aiul the niiiiri chance with us is the faithful improvement of what we 
liave. 

Success is everywhere achieved by making the most of our own re- 
sources. If 3'ou please, it is the one talent of a country town, and not 
the five talents of the city upon the improvement of -wlwcli success is 
here conditioned. But perhaps our one talent may j^ield us as much 
substantial good as five talents in the city. It will, if we make the 
better investment, and take better care of the increase. 

There are many things in which it were folly for the country to at- 
tempt to compete with the city. 

The worshipers of mammon, the devotees of fashion, and all the 
giddy, fluttering throngs to whom a whirl of excitement is the daily 
or nightly necessity' of life, may gain their ends and end their useless 
lives more readily in the city. Wealth, fashion, noise, with all their 
train of ambitions and vexations, find here in but inferior degree 
either their motives or their means. Some of the advantages of cul- 
ture, too, it must be admitted, are generally more easily accessible in 
the city than in the country. The machinery of the city can turn out 
professional characters as well as sharpers of all kinds with much the 
greater facility. 

But the country can do without many of these. It is not polished 
instruments of any kind that is the world's great want. Professional 
training is well ; but it is never the great essential. Look out for the 
man, and you will risk little to let the professor take care of himself. 
The grand aim of life everywhere should be the development and cul- 
tivation of manhood. 

Now the first requisite to this is home and neighborhood. And in 
both these respects the country has the advantage over the city. 
One can scarcely know what the word neighborhood means till he has 
lived in the country. The word home has generally too in the coun- 
try a breadth and depth of meaning which is rarely possible in the 
city. In the city, it means additional to the family itself for the greater 
part a hired house, or part of a house, a temporary abode, often little 
more than a business head-quarters, with but slight local attachments. 
But in the country, home generally means possession as well as occu- 
pancy. Often it means the old homestead, endeared by a thousand ten- 



RESPONSIVE ADDRESS. 121 

der associations. And it means not only lionse, but also gardens, lawns, 
fields, trees, fruit and flowers, flocks and herds. In its fullest realiza- 
tion it is a place where two lives united in one were planted in youth, 
from which, fertilized by a pure love, other young lives have in due 
time sprung up around them. Be not afraid of this word planted. 
Man has not so grown out of relation to other forms of life in the king- 
doms of nature, that he can, without a great loss to himself, be tossed 
hither and thither, with no local attachments, all places being alike to 
him; and he never will at least in the present life. He need not in- 
deed be attached to the soil like a tree wdiich cannot be moved without 
endangering its life. But as the very means of insuring for him that 
vigor and strength of manhood which can Avithstand the trials of any 
clime, and make his life everj'where fruitful, his heart must have root- 
lets that take a strong and permanent hold upon home associations, and 
become intertwined inseparably with the happiness and prosperity of 
the people among whom were passed his early days. I do not say that 
a country birthplace and early home must always be more to him than 
any other place. It niaj^ or may not be the dearest of all places. It 
ought not to be in the case of those who afterwards have permanent 
homes in other places wlwre families grow up around them. It must 
however be to them what no other place ever can be, the lovely dream- 
land of infancy, the charming fairy land of childhood, and a little 
later, a kind of border-land paradise, in which youth blossoms into 
young manhood and womanhood. Far from confining his life within 
narrow limits, these life-long attachments to an early home become a 
condition upon which his life may ever after more freely and widely 
and securely expand itself. He whose infant life is thus planted in 
the soil of a good home, and whose life, thrice blessed with the culture 
of home, the school, and the church, all working in harmony, and in- 
viting his faculties into free and happy exercise, is prepared in due 
time, as he could not be otherwise, to reach out his life in vigorous 
runners that shall take root, and make his life fruitful in places far 
remote. 

If the raising of men be your chief aim, men whose lives shall be a 
blessilig, whether they have their mission in your quiet town, or are 
called to other fields of dut}', you have, then, no occasion to envy the 
16 



122 THE CENTENNIAL. 

dwellers in cities. And we need not fear to extend this comparison of 
advantages with oiir city neighhors. If their larger material wealth 
can build more elegant houses and furnish them more sumptuously 
than you, you can surround your homes with attractions in the form 
of lawns and flowers and trees, which may well excite their envy. 
If they can build finer school-houses than you, see that you have as 
good teachers, and you can build men as well as they. If they wor- 
ship in costlier temples of granite and marble than your means can af- 
ford, you may offer as acceptable worship in your modest and not less 
tasteful churches. Nor need your prayers and praises be restricted to 
these temples made wntli hands. They may go up daily, 

"From that catliedral, boundless as our wonder, 

Whose quenchless lamps the sun and moon supply, 
Whose choir the winds and waves, whose organ thunder, 
Whose dome the sky." 

If the libraries of the city are not easy of access to you, yours are 
the more inspiring volumes of nature, spreading out for you on every 
hand their eloquent pages. If you can but rarely visit the galleries 
of art found in the city, nature's grand museum, filled with the work 
of the Divine artist, is open to you freely at all times, open to all who 
Lave eyes to see. If you may not so often in the country hear words 
of wisdom from the silver-tongued orator, or music from the great 
masters, for those who have ears to hear, your wooded hills and vales 
are vocal with richer melodies. 

To make the most of our advantages, however, requires us not to be 
proud of them and satisfied with them, but steadily to increase them. 
To this end your fruitful soil is an unfailing source of supply. You 
do not expect to find here buried mines of gold. But even more won- 
drous is the wealth that slumbers in these lands. They scarcely need 
your bidding to yield with each returning Summer in infinite variety 
their boundless profusion of grasses, flowers, foliage and fruits. And 
this it is in your power to increase almost without limit. Where now 
the earth sends up the thistle, you can cause it to send up the bearded 
grain. "Where weeds have full possession of the soil it will presently 
re^Yard your care with the luscious strawbeny, or with flowers fragrant 
and beautiful. Where the ground is cumbered with tliorns, we find it 



RESPONSIVE ADDRESS. 123 

ready under the hand of culture to grow the apple, the pear, the peach, 
the cherry, the grape and the plum. 

But plant not always in hope of speedy returns. Plant for genera- 
tions and centuries. By all means plant trees ; multiply 3'our groves, 
that shall be more to coming generations than to yourselves. Neg- 
lected fields wait only your planting and culture, to produce thrifty and 
fruitful orchards for you and the generation after you. The grounds 
that front your dwelling are waiting only for you to put in the tiny seed 
or tender sapling, to bless the next Centenary with the thrifty maple, 
the graceful ash, the evergreen pines, the stately elm, and the giant oak. 

Carry the same spirit of improvement with you everywhere. Leave 
all good things that come into j^our hands — buildings, grounds, fences, 
roads — better than you found them. At the same time clear awa}^ 
that which is not good. Above all, make your schools and churches 
the best and best sustained, the most truly liberal as well as earnest, 
and keep them always abreast with the times in every real improve- 
ment. When the city gets the start of jon in a good cause learn 
from it, and so make it your tributary. From the exhaustless fount- 
ains of 3'our highlands you are to supply Springfield with livdng water. 
Draw upon her in return from whatever fountains of health she may 
have for you. Xo people can afford to live within themselves. A 
breeding in-and-in policy is always one of degeneracy. If we draw 
only from the fountains of our own life w'e shall presently find that the 
currents of life run low and languidly. Therefore constantly seek 
fresh currents of life from abroad. Welcome all new ideas and new 
things which are good. So ma}^ you steadily add to all your resources 
of power, multiply the advantages of life, reflect honor upon your wor- 
thy ancestors, and transmit the goodly heritage received from them, 
not only unimpaired, but with a generous increase to those who live 
after you. Above all, may you hope to raise up for the future a gen- 
eration of men worthy of the name. And this can not fail to carry 
Avith it prosperity in every thing good. To your lasting honor may 
these results appear when a hundred years hence a hapjiy and intelli- 
gent people shall gather here to celebrate the second Centennial Jubi- 
lee of Ludlow, perhaps under the shadow of the very trees of your 
planting. 



124 THE CENTENNIAL. 

After the choir liad again sung, Eev. J. W. Tuck, of Jewott City, 
Conn., gave the Historical Address, in these words: 

HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 

Though I cannot claim the honor of my nativit}' v/ith 3'ou, citizens 
of Ludlow, yet I am not a foreigner or stranger hero. These fields 
and forests, so green to-day, are more familiar tlian those on which I 
first opened my eyes ; these venerable oaks around, seem as much 
like old friends as those others under which I sat in childhood; and 
in many of these open countenances I read the checkered history of a 
majority of your families, as well as much of m}' own for sixteen of 
the best years of my life. A few rods from this place of our gathering, 
six of my children were born, and the precious dust of half that same 
family now sleeps in yonder cemetery, side by side with dear departed 
ones of your own stricken households. 

The invitation, therefore, of j^our honorable Committee of Arrange- 
ments to address you at this memorable period of your history, I regard 
as a call to come home again, to revisit the scenes of former years, to 
review the pleasant memories of the past, to shake friendl}- hands, 
and gather up inspiration from a new brief communion to go on in 
life's journey with Christian courage, that we may finish our course 
with joy. 

But personal and particular reminiscences belong chiefly to the 
speakers that will follow me ; and while I may indulge in some that 
have fallen especially under my observation, yet the broader though 
less luminous field of your local history has been marked out for my 
survey in this Centennial Anniversary of 3'our town. I am aware of 
the more than ordinary difficulties of my undertaking, difficulties 
growing out of the comparative meagerness of your earl}' district 
records, and also because of a lack of startling incident and adventure, 
such as may be found in the central, populous places whose history 
covers a much longer period, — but which can never obtain with a 
younger and scattered population, devoting themselves exclusively to 
the quiet pursuits of agriculture. While, therefore, Ludlow can not 
boast of many great and astouibhing things, — of bloody battle-liekls, 
of Indian burnings and massacres, of giving presidents, senators and 



HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 125 

governors to the country, — yet, if it be not assuming too much, in the 
words of another, — " She can, so far, claim the merit of never having 
done anytliing tliat she or her mother town need he ashamed of." 
"We will take this as no faint praise. Though it be true, as pub- 
licl_y pre-announced of this celebration, — that this town has not a 
great deal of history all to herself, may it not be added, — neither 
has she the failing of coveting and contending for that in her chief 
places, which is as sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal, and from 
which much claiming to be history frequently comes. No, her ambi- 
tion is of a higher type ; her preference for the more useful, the prac- 
tical, the permanent. Hence of her sons it may be said, they are 
industrious, virtuous, sturdy yeomen, and her daughters, — they are fit 
to be the wives and mothers of husbands and children, that are 
"known in the gates, and who sit among the elders of the land." 

With so much that is apologetic, and congratulating you, fellow- 
citizens, friends and former townsmen, for the aixspicious circumstan- 
ces of this day, and the pleasing unanimity with which you enter on 
this Centennial, forgetful of political and denominational preferences, 
I now waive for the present all other things, and give precedence to a 
brief narrative of the good old dame that has just rounded out her 
first hundred years, and yet is none the worse for wear, nay, is more 
vigorous and comely, and even Christian than ever. May we not, 
then, those of us who are adopted children, as well as you who were 
to the manor born, like the loj'al subjects of gracious sovereigns, 
say now with united voices. Live, mother ! Live forever ! Live on, 
firm in principle, fair in countenance, of a truly healthy growth, and 
holding honorable place with a friendly sisterhood of towns around! 

NAME. 

•'What's in a name?" is sometimes asked. Enough, perhaps, to 
claim a moment's thought as we pass along. The name first on our 
lips to-day, and inscribed on the banner floating highest in the breeze 
above this assembled multitude, though not euphonious, as some have 
said, yet is not unpleasant to the ear, and, we doubt not, is of honor- 
able origin. AVhile we have no certain clue to its history, yet it seems 
to me the most plausible theory among several is, that its derivation 
may be traced to a prominent English republican living previous to 



126 THE CENTENNIAL. 

and (liuinu; the protectorate of Oliver Cromwell — Edmund Ludlow, a 
member of Parliament and a popular leader of the people in those 
stormy times, against the encroachments of the crown. Though he 
•was one of the king's judges, yet he was, even then, a thorough, con- 
sistent republican, and afterward an earnest supporter of the bill for 
the abolition of the House of Peers. It is not unreasonable to sup- 
pose that his name, associated as it was with genuine republicanism 
like that of John Hampden, his contemporary, — a name afterwards 
given to designate your County, — should, for like reasons, have been 
previously joined to one of its towns. (I.*) 

SETTLEMENT. 

The first settlement with specific date in this part of Springfield, 
called Stony Hill, was made in 1751 by Capt. Joseph Miller, who 
came from West Springfield, and pitched his tent on the banks of the 
Chicopee river, near where Elihu J. Sikes now lives, whose wife is a 
direct descendant of his of the fifth generation. But there were 
already several families here, supposed to have been on the ground a 
year or two ; those of Aaron Colton, James Sheldon, Shem Chapin and 
Benjamin Sikes. Ebenezer Barber came in 1756, locating himself on 
the place now owned by David L. Atchinson, and Jonathan Lombard 
followed in 1757. Li 1767, Joshua Fuller, whose descendants are 
numerous, moved into the place, and settled on what is known as the 
Dorman farm, near the Methodist chapel. James Kendall came in 
1769, from Ashford. Most of these names, together with those of 
Jones and Burr, representing families still living here, are found in the 
earliest records of Springfield, (lit) Their present numbers, and the 
places of honor and usefulness they have filled through so many gen- 
erations, evince the extraordinary vitality and vigor of the stock from 
which they sprang. 

SLOW PROGRESS. 

For more than a score of years after the arrival of the pioneer set- 
tlers in the Eastern, or Stony Hill district of Springfield, the increase 
of the population, owing to a variety of circumstances, was very grad- 
ual. Persons coming from a distance, seeking new homes in this part 

*See page 18, also see Appendix, C. tSee pp. 7-9. 



HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 127 

of the State, preferred i)lantiiig tliemselves in the villages, and re- 
maining there, on account of their greater safety, and also that they 
might the better enjoy the advantages of religion, of education and 
social life. With reluctance they went out to take up new lands at a 
distance ; and only the most venturesome, and such as had but small 
possessions at home, would do it. It is no disparagement of the early 
inhabitants of this locality, to say they were poor in this world's 
goods, and adventurers here, seeking to better their scanty fortunes. 
Their hardships, therefore, were many and great. 

ORGANIZATIO:^ AND STRUGGLES. 

At the end of the first quarter of a century, or in the year 1774, the 
population of the place having reached two or three hundred, meas- 
ures were taken and perfected for the organizing of a new town, wliich 
was denominated in the act of incorporation, separating it from 
Springfield, the district of Ludlo\v. It was thought the measure 
would give a new impetus to the prosperity of the place by adding 
largely to its numbers, and furnishing the people with superior advan- 
tages of every kind. But the expectation was not one to be realized 
then, since the date marks a period in our countrj^'s history, distin- 
guished for the beginning of hostilities between the home government 
of Great Britain and her American colonies. Just previous to this 
the tea had been destroj'ed in Boston harbor, in consequence of which 
Parliament had passed an act interdicting commercial intercourse with 
that port, and prohibiting the landing and shipping of any goods. 
This oppressive bill was followed by the passage of others more odious 
still, and a general state of alarm prevailed throughout Massachusetts 
and all the colonies. In a twelvemonth afterwards, the war of the 
Revolution opened in the fight on Lexington Green, followed by 
the famous battle of Bunker Hill, on the 17th of June, 1775. The 
new^s of these battles arrived in this part of the State two days after 
their occurrence, though neither telegraphs nor railroads were then 
known, and immediately several companies of men, well-armed and 
equipped, were dispatched on their long and toilsome march to the 
sea-board. Others were organized as minute-men, and constantly 
drilled, preparatory to being called into the service. 

I speak of these things here, not to impart information, but as sug- 



128 THE CENTENNIAL. 

gestive of those dark and troublous times a hundred years ago, and as 
accounting for the slow growth of the new settlements in this part of 
the State, and particularly outside the larger towns. Men do not go 
forth into the wilderness in large numbers, nor engage extensively in 
agricultural pursuits, when the trumpet of war is sending its echoes 
through the land, and tlie young and brave are summoned to the bat- 
tle-field. Di'awn from their homes, then, they dwell in camps and 
sicken in hospitals, or fall in the deadly strife. 

EARLY TOWX MEETINGS. 

Tlie first town meeting in Ludlow was held almost immediately 
after its organization, at the dwelling-house of Abner Hitchcock, 
where Lucius Simonds now lives, and at the second meeting a few 
weeks after, a committee was chosen to secure the services of a minis- 
ter for the people. This seems to have been the universal practice of 
the fathers of New England, as soon as they could count up forty or 
fifty families within a reasonable distance, to provide themselves with 
the ordinances of religion, and enter into church relations with one 
another. Even before that, when they might not number more than a 
score of persons, they would initiate measures looking to their spirit- 
ual necessities. 

You can find at the City Hall in Springfield, in the first book of 

records, an ancient document signed by only eight persons, the first 

little band of immigrants that arrived on the banks of the Connecticut 

River in the Spring of 1636, written thus ; 

"Wee intend, by God's grace, as soon as we can, with all convenient speede, to 
procure some Godly and faitliful minister, with whom we purpose to join in church 
covenant, to walk in all the ways of Christ." 

Like the Pilgrims on landing at Plymoutli, their first thought was 
a recognition of the hand that had led tliem, and a humble, public con- 
fession of tlie Mighty God, whom they loved and feared. 

At another town meeting, held in less than three months from the 
first, a committee was chosen to find the center of the town, that they 
might build a meeting-house thereon. It was in their heart to build a 
house for the Lord at that time ; but nine years intervened before the 
work was accomplished. The delay is easily accounted for, in the break- 
ing out of the Revolutionary war, the calling into the army of their 



niSTOKICAL ADDEESS. 129 

available young men, and taxing their small pecuniary resources to 
the utmost to furnish equipments, ammunition and rations. What 
prevented their increase in numbers also laid an embargo on their re- 
ligious prosperity; so that (III.*) the very first tax levied, which was 
£20, lawful money, instead of being appropriated to tlieir wants as a 
community, had to be diverted to the exigencies of the public peril. 
But it was done cheerfully. The patriotism of the people in this 
western part of the State was not a whit behind that of their brethren 
in the eastern counties, and all were ready to make the greatest sacri- 
fices for the common safety. Stockings and shoes had to be made in 
the different families for the soldiers, since these articles could not be 
bought in one place as now, and blankets in many instances were 
taken from the beds then in use. Tax followed tax and requisition 
followed requisition for seven long years, reducing their means of 
support until nothing seemed left them but a depreciated paper 
currency. The worthlessness of this, though it was nearh^ all they 
had, some votes on the records made at that time will show. I quote 
as examples: 

"Voted to raise tlie sum of $11,500 to buy grain to pay the tliree and six months' 
soldiers, in addition to their stated wages ; also, to raise §32,000 to purchase beef 
for the State." 

The price of wheat then was $30 per bushel, rye $23, Indian 
corn $15, a day's work $20, and other things in proportion. Another 
vote I transcribe, viz : " That we pay Sergeant John Johnson and 
Sergeant Ezekiel Fuller, Samuel Scranton and Samuel Warriner, Jr., 
£12 silver money for services ill the arni}'^; also, £6 to Josej^h Hitch- 
cock for the same." This was near the close of the struggle for inde- 
pendence, in 1781, and yet I doubt if much more specie can be found 
in town to-day. 

Thus it appears that the infant district of Ludlow, containing only 
about two hundred inhabitants, was actively engaged in the great 
Revolutionary conflict, and doing what it could. One-seventh of its 
whole population was mustered into the service, and stands enrolled 
in the army of Independence. Their names are worthy of record, 
and may properly be read in your hearing, since they are the inherit- 

*See page 22. 
17 



130 THE CENTEXXIAL. 

ance of so many in tliis assembly. Incliuling tliose already called, 

there are : — (IV.*) 

IciiAiJOD Barker, Joseph Jennings, 

EzEKiEL Beei'.e, John Johnson, 

CiESAR Begory (colored), David Lombard, 

NoADiAH Burr, Jonathan Lombard, 

Reuben Burt, Dr. Aaron J. Miller, 

Joel Chapin, George Miller, 

Charles Chooley,! Joseph Miller, Jr., 

Aaron ColtoNjJ Leonard Miller, 

Solomon Cooley, David Paine, 

Edward Cotton,§ Tyrus Pratt, 

Oliver Dutton, Samuel Scranton, 

Ezekiel Puller, Thomas Temple, 

LoTiiROP Fuller, Moses Wilder, 

Jabez Goodale, Cyprian Wright ; 
Joseph Hitchcock, 

twenty-nine in number. There is no record of an}' tories here, and 
their number was small in tliis part of the State ; and yet there were 
a few in the larger places. It is not twenty j^ears since an aged 
Avidow lady lived in Springfield, who received an annual pension 
from the British government for war services rendered the mother 
country, by her husband, nearly eighty years before. She had, at 
that time, been paid an aggregate of $10,000 in the course of her 
long life. (V.ll) 

first meeting-house. 
The war being ended, and peace and prosperity having come once 
more, the people, as might be expected, turned their attention again 
especially to the erection of their long-desired sanctuary. Accord- 
ingly, in town meeting it was " voted that Deacon Nathan Smith 
of Grauby, Deacon David Nash of South Iladley, and Deacon John 
Hitchcock of Wilbraham be a committee to set the stake for a meet- 
ing-house." At a subsequent meeting their doings were accepted and 
J£200 assessed for building purposes. Then the work went forward as 

*See page 21. tCooley? }■? § Col ton ? USee page 29. 



HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 131 

fast as they were able to collect and prepare the material. At length 

the foundations were laid, and almost a forest of heavy hewn timber 

covered the ground. 

Again turning to the records we read : — 

"October 23, 1783. — Town-meeting at the stake. Voted that the buihling com- 
mittee procure a suflScient quantity of rum for raising the meeting-house frame." 

This was the only business done at the meeting, so far as the record 
goes, and no doubt was the passing of the Rubicon, the talcing of the 
last desperate step toward a successful end. A house-raising in those 
days was an eventful occurrence, — especially if a public building, — 
calling together whole communities, — the men and boys to lift the 
heavy timbers by broadsides, and the women and girls as joyful wit- 
nesses, and also to prepare food and spread the tables for the unusual 
feast. It was a great day to the people of this town, ninety-one years 
ago, when the gigantic frame of that now ancient and forsaken sanc- 
tuary, standing hard b}'^, was lifted on to its foundations. Indeed, 
two days were consumed before the last timber went into its place and 
the last trunnel was driven home, though scores of strong-armed men 
came in from the towns around, cheerfully contributing their efficient 
aid and joining in the work from the rising of the morning till the 
stars appeared. At length it stood erect, complete, immovable. 

Then, at a given signal from the master workman, believe me, there 

was a tossing of hats and bonnets such as you never saw, and a shout 

so loud and long that it 

" Shook the depths of the desert gloom, 

And the sounding aisles of the dim woods rang." 

Where the rum came in or went out, or what the young folks did 
that night, till the "small hours" of the morning, I leave to your 
conjectures. Strange as it may seem, some of the witnesses to that 
raising still survive; but tluy tell no tales, onl}^ they whisper at times 
with bated breath. Do any doubt? Look at those aged oaks. They 
were then in their prime, and swung out leafy bowers all over this 
pleasant green ; and now, though they are old and less comely than 
in their youth, they are still loved and cherished, as all tried and 
time-long friends should be. There is a tradition that when that an- 
cient frame comes down, tliov, too, will bow their heads and fall. 



132 THE CENTENNIAL. 

Long may it stand, tlierefore, let us pray, to Ijcfriond and hless tliis 
beautiful grove, and tell the old, old story of the past; though we 
would not object to its being clad in a more comely covering, and 
looking down upon us, children, with a more cheery, improved face. 
Built by the hands of the fathers, who gave the chief materials from 
their forests, and devoted now to secular purposes, let it stand, reju- 
venated, as we hope it soon may be, to signalize their worthy deeds 
and join the generations, old and new, in one. 

On account of the poverty of those fathers, it remained unfinished 
within for several years; and there were those living a sliort time 
since, who covdd remember when its only pulpit was a carpenter's 
bench, and its pews rough planks, stretched from one block to another. 
But afterward, as the people were prospered, these rude forms gave 
place to the improvements of a later day. A real pulpit was built; 
and how wonderful it was, perched like an eagle's nest far up some 
dizzy hight; and then the deacon's seat a little lower down in front, 
where grave men sat, 'tis said, to watch the flock, and wake the con- 
gregation nodding and, withal, to keep tlie boys and girls from spark- 
ing. As there were no means for warming churches then, each fam- 
ily took to meeting with them their little box-like stove for the 
women's feet, while the men sat and kicked their frozen cowhides to 
force away the winter's cold. 

Prayer-meetings, at that day, were seldom known. They would 
have been an intrusion on the dignity of the dominie, whose sole pre- 
rogative it was, publicly to pray as well as preach. 

THT3 FIKST CHUKCII AND ITS PASTOR. 

At the formation of the cluirch here, whicli was in 1789, it was j)re- 
sented with a heavy communion service from tlie motlier town, on 
which was inscribed, " Si)ringtield 1st Church, 1742," and which was 
continued in use more than a hundred years, or until 184G, when it 
gave place to other and more valuable furniture, the betjuest of Abner 
Cady, the former still being preserved as a remembrance and relic of 
the past. 

The Rev. Antipas Steward, the first pastor, was ordained, Novem- 
ber 27, 171)3. lie was a native of Marlboro, a graduate of Harvard 
University ami afterward tutor, and distinguished for scholarsliip. 



HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 133 

He could read Hebrew, it was said, nearly as readily as English. 
The town paid him an annual salary of $200 and thirty cords of 
wood. He was dismissed in 1803 and removed to Belchertown, where 
he died in 1814, aged 80 years. I have heard it said by those who 
remembered and knew him well, that he was truly a man of "ye an- 
cient time," finely clad in blouse and breeches, knee-buckles and white- 
topped boots, gracefull}'- corrugated over long, white hose, and sur- 
mounting all as most prominent, the professional cocked hat, signifi- 
cant of authority and command. At his ordination he invited the 
Kev. Mr. Howard of Springfield to preach the sermon from the text 
(VI.*) "Let a man so account of us as * * stewards of the mysteries 
of God ; " and near the close of his ten years' pastorate, having been 
not a little troubled by the complaints of his people, he sent again to 
his friend, Mr. Howard, to come and preach his farewell discourse, 
choosing for the text, Revelation 2 : 13 — " I know thy works, and 
wliere thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is, * * wherein An- 
tipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan 
dwelleth." This last request, however, was not granted the retiring 
pastor. 

Dr. Lathrop relates the following anecdote of this eccentric divine : 
At a ministers' meeting at one time, some one stated his belief that 
all the wicked hated God. Mr. Steward denied this, and inquired 
how it was that they should desire to go into his presence if they 
hated him, and quoted the parable of the virgins, Matthew 25:11 — 
" Afterwards came also the other virgins, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open 
unto us.' " The reply was that parables do not go on all fours. To 
this Mr. Steward answered, "They go, at least, on two legs, and if 
your interpretation is right, they cannot go at all ; for you cut off all 
the legs." 

The little church, having at first but fifteen members, being now 
much reduced, and the people somewhat divided, no other minister 
was settled for sixteen years. Then the Rev. Ebenezer B. Wright, a 
graduate of Williams College, was ordained, December 8, 1819, and 
was the last minister employed by the town. During tliis interim of 
sixteen years, the pulpit was supplied by preachers of different denom- 

*See page 43. 



Lj4 the centennial. 

inations, particularly as wortli}^ of mention, the Rev. Elijah Heading, 
who siibseqiientl}'' was elected bishop of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and Rev. Alexander McLean, who preached several years in 
the whole and in the meantime formed a Methodist class. 

TJIE METHODIST CHURCH. 

j\[r. McLean's engagements with tlie tuwu terminating previous to 
the settlement of Mr. Wright, he then became the nominal preacher 
to a Methodist Society, so called, combining remonstrants against the 
tax law. In the winter of 1826-7 the Rev. Wilbur Fislc, D. D., the 
popular principal of the Wesleyan Academy in AVilbraham, and after- 
wards president of the Universit}' at Middletown, Conn., was invited 
by a portion of the people to preach for them, and accordingly com- 
menced his ministry, holding meetings in private dwellings and 
school-houses. He was a man in souie respects like Bishoj) Hedding, 
who had preceded him by several years, possessed of s'uperior attain- 
ments, and highly honored in his denomination. Ever since his la- 
bors began with the Methodist Society, it has sustained the preaching 
of the Gospel without interruption. Dr. Fisk, then, may be regarded 
as the god-father of that church, and a very worthy relationship it 
may claim in him. 

He was followed by the Rev. Isaac Jennison, the first preacher sent 
by the conference, and through his active agencj', the present Metho- 
dist church edilice, long familiarly known as " The Chapel," was built 
in 1827. Being a carpenter by trade, as well as a j)reacher, with one 
of his hands he wrought in the work of framing and building the 
house of the Lord, and with the other held the sword of the Spirit as a 
good soldier of the cross of Christ. Tall in stature, it is said he 
actually clapboarded the gable ends of the house to the ridge-pole 
Avithout resort to any staging. Thirty years afterwards, or in 1858, 
during the pastorate of Rev. F. Fisk, the edilice was thoroughl}' 
remodeled and enlarged, and a bell hung in its tower. 

THE THIIID CHURCH EDIFICE. 

The third meeting-house in Ludlow, a comely building, stood on the 
site of the present Congregational Church, and was erected in 1840. 
For eighteiMi years it did good service in the cause for which it was 



HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 135 

built, being repeatedly honored by His special presence in whose name 
it was dedicated. (VII.*) Eavlj^ one still winter's morning, the 15th 
of January, 1859, long before it was light, the bell rang out a sudden 
alarm in a few rapid strokes, and then ceased, and was heard no more. 
Those wlio lived near sprang out of their beds, only to see the red 
flames bursting out at the windows, creeping up the tall spire, and 
projecting a lurid light over an area of the snow-clad earth, for miles 
.around. Nothing was done — notliing could be done to arrest the con- 
flagration, such was the headway gained before being discovered, 
though hundreds of strong-handed men had gathered in a few min- 
utes' time. Not long, and the lofty spire was seen to sway back and 
forth, when a cry was heard, and the almost petrified spectators 
rushed involuntarily back, and there was a crash through ridge-pole 
and rafter, floor and foundation, till the once friendly old bell was ar- 
rested only by the firm earth, and half-imbedded in her bosom, among 
falling, blazing timbers. Then again the flames shot up to the very 
clouds, while the burning embers and cinders went sailing away over 
houses and hills, literally, for miles and miles. Oh ! it was a heart- 
rending sight ; such an utter ruin as that into which that loved place 
of worship fell, is seldom known. Not a fragment remained of the 
inner or outer works of the building; nothing save the foundation 
stones, and the topmost ball of the spire, which was Imrled over the 
whole length of the burning house to a place of safety, and so es- 
caped almost unscathed. A noble oak standing near by, from which 
the dr}' autumnal leaves had not yet fallen, was suddenly lit up as 
with thousands of gas-jets, burning for a few moments and then 
goinf^r out. 

During that dreadful hour a young man lay at a little distance on a 
sick bed, with his warm life's blood streaming from his mouth from 
hemorrhage. "What is the matter, father ?" said he, hearing some 
unusual disturbance. '' Only a little alarm of fire over here, my son," 
said the anxious father; "do not be troubled a moment; a few dollars 
will set all right again." A few dollars did set all right again, and 
in its place 3'ou see this pleasant and commodious sanctuary. What 
was a burning building to that troubled parent, then? He would 

*See page 81. 



136 THE CENTENNIAL. 

scarcely lii't liis e3^e.s toward it, or waste a thought on the comparatively 
insignificant calamity. 

OTHKU CHURCHES. 

The fourth meeting-house which was built in town, was at Jenks- 
ville, and was erected by the manufacturing comi^any there, and dedi- 
cated as a union house of worship, December 25, 1845. The first year 
it was occupied by the Methodists of that village, at the end of which 
they withdrew, and built for themselves a church near by, which they 
continued to occupy a few years, and then sold to be talcen down and 
removed from the place. The Second Congregational Church was or- 
ganized at Jenksville, June 24, 1847, having at the start twenty-eight 
members, and on the 20th of January following, E.ev. William Hall 
was ordained its pastor ; but, in consequence of a failure in business 
and the loss of population, he felt compelled to resign and was dis- 
missed the same year. (VIII.*) 

The sixth and last church edifice erected in town is the fine, com- 
modious house of worship, built in 1859, standing prominently before 
lis on this common, and long to remain, as we humbly trust, the loved 
place of Christian assembly. 

LUDLOW VILLAGE (jEXKSVILLE). 

Passing now to physical and material conditions, — the Chicopee 
lliver, coming down from the east, forms the southern boundary of the 
town, and in its course of three or four miles, presents several excellent 
mill privileges, the largest of which ai'e at the falls of "\Vallamanum2)s 
and Indian Orchard. At the former place the water descends along a 
narrow, rocky channel 42 feet, in a distance of a hundred rods ; and 
at the latter — less than a mile distant — there is a fall of G3 feet from 
the top of the dam to still water below. The manufacturing business 
at the former place was nearly the first started in the country. (iX.t) 
In the year 1812, Benjamin Jencks, then of Smithfield, E. I., made a 
journey of survey, passing through Connecticut and Massachusetts 
into New York to certain water-falls on the Genesee River, called by 
the Indians, Gaskosaga, where he spent several daj's examining and 
considering the advantages for manufacturing purposes. He was 

*Sce page 7'J. fSee page 64. 



HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 137 

offered the whole of tliat place, with its splendid water-power, for the 
same sum that the Chicopee Eiver privilege and its surroundings could 
be bought. He gave preference to the latter, built his dam, started 
his mill, and Wallamanumiis became Jenksville. Sometime after- 
wards, a certain Marylander, probabl}^ a transplanted Yankee, bought 
Gaslvosaga, on the distant Genesee, and it was transformed into Roch- 
ester, — the city of Rochester, with its sixty thousand inhabitants. 

The natural scenery along the Chicopee before the swift-running 
waters were arrested and thrown back upon tlie rapids, and before the 
dark woods, skirting the banks of the beautiful river, were cut away, 
was very fine, and the sites of the present villages were places of con- 
siderable resort for pleasure. There once were the favorite hunting- 
grounds and homes of the aborigines, and the relics of their savage 
warfare and rude agriculture abound to this day, in all the neighbor- 
hood. 

Said an intelligent townsman of yours to me, a little while since, 
who is versed in Indian lore, and has an aptness for the study of na- 
ture : " On every farm in Ludlow, and especially along the margins of 
the rivers and ponds, may be found numerous sharp and irregular 
fragments of stone, — porphyry, quartz, chalcedony and sandstone, — 
the chippings thrown off by the Indians in fabricating their imple- 
ments for warfare and the chase and for their domestic use." Thou- 
sands of arrow-lieads of various sizes, hatchets, chisels, gouges, mortars 
and pestles have been picked up within a few years ; and I was shown 
a large spear-liead, lately found, of great value as a curiosity, and also 
a remarkable gravestone, wrought somewhat into the human form, 
about three feet in bight, which once, doubtless, marked the burial of 
some distinguished chief. Said the gentleman to whom I have re- 
ferred : "If every farmer would keep an eye on what he turns up with 
his plow, especially on new lands, and collect the curious-shaped stones 
lying here and there on the banks of brooks and ponds, and thrown 
carelessly into old walls and stone heaps, he might soon have a small 
but valuable museum of his own." 

Just below the falls at Jenksville, the river in its tortuous course 
forms a little peninsula of a few acres of land, formerly densely wooded, 
and elevated about eighty feet above the water, the extremity of which 
IS 



138 THE CENTENNIAL. 

has lonj^ Lcen known by the name of "Indian Leap." The story,* 
which perhaps is only legendary, is that a party of Indians, being sur- 
prised in this secluded spot, and finding no other way of escaping 
tljoir enemies, sprang over the precipice in fearless desperation, and all 
of them, save one, perished in tlie seething waters and among the 
rocks below. In this place, on the high bank of the river, is supposed 
to have been the encampment of 600 of King Philip's warriors, the 
night after the}'' had burned Springfield in 1675, since those who went 
in pursuit of them the next day, found here 24 camp fires and some of 
their plunder left behind. The new railroad bridge now takes a leap 
from this celebrated point across the chasm, bearing safely every day 
scores of passengers as they go and come on business or pleasure. 

No less than five bridges span the Chicopee River, connecting Lud- 
low -with the adjoining towns, the oldest of which is at Jenksville, 
having been built fifty-four years, and apparently as firm and endur- 
ing now as ever. Although this is the shortest of the five, and its 
completion now would have but little significance, yet then it was re- 
garded as an event of extraordinary public importance ; so much so as 
to be celebrated with an eclat not unlike this centennial day.f Ac- 
cordingly, on the 1st of Januarj'^, 1823, large numbers assembled to 
listen to a statement of what had been done; also to hear a sermon 
suited to the occasion, and join in public praise and thanksgiving to 
Almighty God for the success of their enterprise. I sujipose there is 
scarcely a person here but has crossed over that friendly bridge, time 
and again. Please to remember, the next time you enter its dingy 
arch, that, fifty-four years ago, it was solemnly dedicated, — I use the 
words of the preacher, Mr. McLean, — " dedicated to the protection of 
Almight}^ God and the use of men." 

THE FATHERS. 

The fathers of Kew England were a religious people ; nor were 
they often guilty of withholding an acknowledgment of their indebt- 
edness to the Father of Mercies for His protecting care. They 
believed in a divine providence, and were not ashamed to confess the 
same, botli publicly and privately, in things great and small. They 

*See page 2. tSue page 63 



HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 139 

were also a bravo, hardy, indomitable people, who dared to contend for 
their rights ; who knew how to fight the devil, as well as how to fear 
God. Poor in this world's goods, yet they were not coraplainers ; for 
princely fortunes they knew would be theirs in the world to come. 
Godliness was the great gain they coveted most ; and having food and 
raiment, they were content therewith. Strong in purpose, uncompro- 
mising in principle, and the firm friends of civil and religious freedom, 
we love to honor them as such, though we may not always imitate 
their noble virtues. 

They were but a handful, comparatively — few and feeble and far 
separated from one another — yet they could build and endow churches 
and colleges, scrupulously maintain religious and charitable institu- 
tions, and render a cheerful, stated worship to the God they served. 
Many of the present generation complain, if called to hear a brace of 
sermons of twentj'' minutes each on the Sabbath. Strong men can 
not digest more than one, they say. But the fathers of a century ago 
could listen to preaching for two hours, and a prayer of one hour ; 
and, after a short intermission, go the same round again without ex- 
traordinary fatigue. It is said they had no prayer-meetings then ; 
and how could thej'", scattered, as they were, many miles apart, without 
roads or bridges, or any of the conveniences of travel now in vogue ? 
They had no Sunday-schools, it is said; but they had; and their 
schools around the family hearth-stone, with the Bible and catechism 
for text-books, and father and mother as teachers, were more efficient 
for good than many a modern, flourishing, fancy school. While thus 
extolling them — commending their patriotism, their piety, their strong 
faith, their usually unselfish acts — I would do no injustice to the 
present age. Though the fathers have gone and the heroic age in 
which they lived, yet their spirit has not fled. If proof were needed 
of our patriotism, I would refer to the recent great uprising in defense 
of our liberties, when imperiled by the slavery rebellion. Then it 
can be shown also that the hope our pious fathers had of christian- 
izing the heathen, has not died out, but has been gathering inspira- 
tion to the present time. In the work of missions, our zeal and 
success have exceeded theirs. We have mapped out the whole world 
as the field to be worked, and sent out men to possess it all for the 



140 THE CENTENNIAL. 

Master. Also our religious, our educational and benevolent institu- 
tions are in advance of anything in the past. 

BOYS IN BLUE. 

It is in place here, in my brief narrative of historical events of this 
town, that I should refer to some things it did in our national contest, 
twelve j'^ears ago. With a population of only twelve hundred souls, it 
enlisted one hundred and twenty recruits for the war, or one for every 
ten persons. I know of no town that did better ; and yet the proportion 
in the Revolutionary conflict was not much greater. (X.*) Fathers and 
mothers here gave up their sons, and wives their husbands, feeling in 
their bleeding hearts and fearing they might never see them again ; 
yet consenting to the painful sacrifice for God and their country's 
sake. Those fears and feelings, on the part of many, were the genuine 
forebodings of what actually followed. The names of sixteen, who 
went out from these pleasant, quiet homes, and never came back 
alive, having perished in the terrible strife, are now written on yonder 
soldiers' monument, erected to commemorate the bravery of their 
deeds and their martyr-like deaths. I knew many of them well, and 
from an intimacy with some, esteemed them highly for their moral 
worth and manly virtues. May I pronounce their names, though it 
bring a pang of grief to the hearts of some present, on whose fond 
memories their patient faces are doubtless daguerreotyped forever: 
Capt. II. A. Hubbard, D. Pratt, 

Kobert Parsons, W. W. Washburne, 

riavius J. Putnam, John Coash, 

E. F. Brooks, A. 0. Pott, 

C. Crowningshield, L. Bennett, 

E. Lyon, D. D. Currier, 

H. M. Pease, H. W. Aldrich, 

A. Chapman, C. McFarland. 

Of the first of these, who was the commander of the Ludlow com- 
pany, I may be permitted to say, I knew him from his boyliood, — 
from his first lessons in the district school, till he entered college, and 
thence to the study of the profession of law, and until he left his law 

*Sed page 8^. 



HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 141 

books to take the sword. The last time I saw him, he stood in a cen- 
tral position, with the 27th Regiment drawn up to witness the pre- 
sentation of liis sword, by the hands of his pastor. Soon after, he 
embarked in the Burnside expedition, and before landing, was taken 
sick, and breathed his last on ship-board, in the calm waters of Pam- 
lico Sound, just as his men, flushed with victory, were returning to 
proclaim the brilliant successes of the battle of Roanoke. He heard 
their shouts in his last moments, and in the midst of their triumphs, 
his soul went up to his Saviour. How our hearts bled at hearing of 
his death, and again, when he was brought home, folded in his coun- 
try's flag, and then laid tenderly away in a peaceful grave ! The 
assembled crowds here, the martial array, the solemn music, and the 
sharp discharges of musketry at his burial, will never be forgotten. 
(XI.*) 

All these men whose names have been called died young, some on 
the field of battle, some in hospitals, and more still in the infamous 
rebel prison at Andersonville. But they lived not in vain. Tliey ac- 
tually achieved for themselves, in their short lives, a reputation to 
which but few comparatively attain. Until that granite shaft crum- 
bles in dust their memories will survive, and their manly virtues be 

rehearsed. 

" Sleep, sleep, ye brave who sink to rest 
With all your country's wishes blest." 

LABOK AND ITS REWARDS. 

Thus far in my address have I confined myself chiefly to the past ; 
to so much of the history of the century now ending as relates to this 
little rural town, and could be conveniently brought within the nar- 
row limits of an hour. Not being a prophet, I will make no attempt 
to forecast your future, farther than to say that, judging from the 
quiet annals we have reviewed, you may well hope hereafter to make 
steady progress — not, perhaps, larger in population nor in the facti- 
tious wealth and consequent distinction of cities, but in the increase 
of your fields and gardens, — the enriching and beautif3-ing of your 
homes, and what is better still, in giving expansion and efficacy to 
your religious and educational institutions. 

*See Appendix. 



142 ' THE CENTENNIAL. 

Tlie discounting banks from whicli your dividends are mostly to 
come, are tliose ■which God and nature have given you, — the gentle 
slopes of these hills and the fertile intervals of the living streams that 
flow around j-our farms. There you will iind gold purer than in the 
mines of the mountains, and silver that is more satisfying. In these 
fruitful fields of yours the work of your hands will not fail of a rich 
reward. Be sure the time has gone by, or is swiftly passing, when 
men of intelligence indulge a prejudice against manual labor as being 
degrading. The union of hard work with self-respect and mental cul- 
ture may be seen all over our land ; and he that would turn away froni 
the plow and drop from his hands the axe and spade, that he may be 
a gentleman of leisure, a starched and perfumed creature, should be 
"written down a slothful servant and sent to school to the insignificant 
ant as a teacher wise enough for him. The measuring off of calico and 
crinoline, the weighing of sugar and tea, or speculating on 'change in 
State and Wall streets, bring no enlargement of mind or conscious- 
ness of power, — do not make a robust body, nor particularly favor a 
healthful state of morals. All human growth of highest value, all up- 
ward and heavenward progress, come from struggling with difficul- 
ties, — come from conflict, come from labor, from hard work. The 
kingdom of heaven, both here and hereafter, suffereth violence. Strive 
to enter in. No weak and puny effort will lift one to the skies. Toil 
is a necessity; earnest, persevering labor is indispensable, both to our 
living worthily and usefully here, and happily hereafter. Alas for 
the man, — the parasite, — that does nothing to increase the real wealth 
of the world, or add to the general sum of happiness. Every righteous 
verdict is, " Cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness." 

I know that the people of this town indorse these sentiments, both 
in their belief and practice ; and I only desire to give emphasis to 
them and venture the prediction of thoir ultimate, universal accept- 
ance. 

HOPEFUL OUTLOOK. 

Looking now over bn^ader fields, — to the hopeful mind there are 
bright prospects and encouraging omens of better days, notwithstand- 
ing the dark clouds that float at times over the vision, and carry de- 
spondency to timid souls. It cannot be that society is only sliding 



HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 143 

backward, and hurrying swiftly to the bad. I prefer to think, and 
with reason as well as in the light of revelation, that this old world of 
ours, ceaselessly swinging in its orbit, is making progress in the right 
direction ; and that the present age, especially, into which all the past 
is pouring wisdom, maj be justly characterized, for rapid growth, for 
large developments, for the diffusion of just sentiments, for the prac- 
tice of a broader philanthropj^ and a higher morality. True, the evi- 
dence is not in credit mobiliers, in salai-y grabs, in frequent briberies 
and embezzlements, and numerous first-class frauds; but it is in the 
fact of their ready exposure, and the denunciation of such deeds, com- 
ing from all parties, and the solemn protests of every secular as well 
as religious journal in the land against them. These frequent crimi- 
nal acts which make us blush for human kind, are no more numerous 
now than at any preceding period, other things being equal. But 
they are in the dajdight now; they can not be covered up as formerl}^; 
a thousand voices that used to be silent, cry out against them, and 
load down the winds with just complaints of the wrong. Every man, 
however obscure, thinks for himself, reads his daily paper, reasons on 
politics and religion, sees through the disguises and envelopments of 
pretended rank and equipage and renown, and measures others, of 
both high and low degree, by some just standard. The men of high 
repute never trembled as they do now for their sins done in secret. 
■They are seen of men, and held to account, even by those whom they 
feign to despise. 

Are there back-settings and counter-currents in the onflowing tide 
of good ; or, at times, an apparent increase of immorality and evil? 
It has always been so. It is God's prerogative to evolve good from 
evil. The night precedes the day. The sharp drouths of last sum- 
mer with a scanty harvest following, and our cold, backward spring, 
were prophetic of this beautiful summer, and an unusually fruitful 
autumn to come. The 17th of June on Bunker Hill was seemingly a 
disastrous day to the friends of popular institutions ; and so were the 
18th and 21st of July of Bull Run memory ; but they hastened on 
lirighter daj-s than the sun had ever seen, and loosened chains, soon 
to fall off from both minds and bodies of long-suffering races, crushed 
to earth. 



144 THE CEXTEXXIAL. 

We are now a free people. Slaves can not breathe here. Every 
man, wliitu or Mack, may carve out his own fortune, may acquire 
])rnperty, may compete for office ancV honors, yea, even the highest in 
the land, irrespective of his birth or blood. Has there not been prog- 
ress, then, in our civil polity ? In no other period of our history 
could slaver)- be abolished, but the present. 

In morals and religion, also, there are the same marked and encour- 
aging changes. Never has the religious element in our churches been 
so active and aggressive ; never before was it clothed with sufficient 
power to carr}' forward the grand temperance reformatipn with such 
marvelous success until this year. Almost every State and County 
and Town is reached by this reform. God grant it so much success 
that soon, like slavery, it may be among the things of the past. I 
am glad to learn that even your old mother town is adopting the 
wise, safe practice of drinking pure, cold water ; and that she may 
never want for it, asks of her fair daughter the privilege of construct- 
ing an unfailing reservoir between the rocky ramparts of your Mount 
Mineachogue and Facing Hills. 

Taking the progress of the past as a measure, with so much already 
done, and the prospects ever brightening, w^hat will not another cen- 
tury do ? Who says the world does not move ? It does, and the pos- 
sibilities of the future, imagination fails to reach. The jieople that 
will live in 1974, on these hills and plains, and in these valleys, shall 
see the wilderness become as fruitful fields, the fields pleasant gar- 
dens, and quietness and assurance be theirs forever. While we do not 
expect to be present at the Bi-centennial they will celebrate, we send 
them happy greetings across the intervening space of the century to 
come. 

A bow of promise spans the future. Better days than ever are 

dawning u})on our country and the world; when all men's good .shall 

be the rule of each, — 

" Ami universal peace 
Lie like a shaft of light across tiie land, 
Anil like a lane of beams atiiwart the sea, 
Through all the circle of the golden years." 

Following the hour of earnest and appreciative attention, the clos- 
ing pra3'cr was made 1»3' Rev. E. N. Pomeroy, pastor of the Upper 



THE DINNER AND SrEECITES. 145 

Congregational Church in West Springfield, and the benediction was 
pronounced by Rev. D. R. Austin. 

Scarce!)^ had the exercises closed when a terrific shower, whose 
thunderings had for some moments been muttering in the clouds, broke 
with torrents upon the assembly. All who could took care of them- 
selves inside the tents, while some hundreds hurried into the adjoining 
church, kindly opened on the occasion. The town house, horse-sheds, 
barns and houses in the vicinity were overrun with refugees for a few 
moments, until the fur}' of the storm was expended. 

It had been arranged to station the band outside the tent and have 
played a few stirring airs, to draw the people out, and then to form a 
procession, march to the music of a dirge to the cemetery, visit the 
graves of friends and then return to the tent in time to reseat, and re- 
ceive what the army of waiters might have to offer. But, 

" The best laid schemes o' mice an' men 
Gang aft agley." 

and so it was j^roven in this case. A dilemma was presented, but 
Ludlow wit was not yet exhausted. Happy are they who, when their 
own plans fail, can adapt themselves to circumstances. The pleasant 
voice of the marshal was soon heard calling for the withdrawal of two 
hundred from the rear of the auditorium tent to the galleries of the 
town house, with which request the desired number soon complied, and 
the work of distribution of food commenced and continued for nearly 
an hour, the company meanwhile gathering together in knots and 
visiting to their hearts' content. At last the keen appetite of the 
crowd was satiated, and they were ready for the after dinner exercises. 
The first toast, " The Governor of the Commonwealth," elicited the 
following letter : 

COxMMONWEALTII OF MASSACHUSETTS. 

KXECUTIVE DEl'AKTMEXT, 

BosTox, 11th June, 1874. 
Dear Sir : — I should be happy to accept your invitation to the 
Ludlow Centennial Celebration if I were not already engaged for the 
day on which it occurs. Therefore I must ask you to excuse me, and 
make my regrets to your committee. 

Very truly yours, Thomas Talbot. 

B. F. Burr, Esq., Secretary. 

The second toast, announced by Major Hubbard, toast master, ** The 
land we love," received a response from Rev. D. R. Austin, who gave 
the necessary eulogy to the country, and then related personal remi- 
niscences of his ministry in the town. 
I'J 



140 THE CENTENNIAL. 

'•'The Historian of the Day," called up Eev. Mr. Tuck, who spoke 
very pleasantly, genth^ touching up as he -went along those newspa- 
pers which had forestalled him in making public the gist of his ad- 
dress. 

" Home again," drew out Professor White, Avhose remarks we are 
happy to give in the speaker's own language : 

" Surrounded by those who but a little wliile ago were boys and girls 
with me, and are now developed into men and women filling with 
honor their places in society, I feel that I should be false to the best 
promptings of our hearts, if I should neglect to refer to the faithful 
teachers whose careful investments in our young life have been so pro- 
ductive of good to us. To mention tlie names of Thedocia Howard, 
afterward the mother of one who has been an esteemed pastor in the 
town, and of George Booth, so long a pillar in the church and a citizen 
whom his tow'nsmen delighted to honor, can not, I am sure, fail to 
awaken in many hearts feelings of warm affection and high respect. 
Many others, of earlier or later times, equally worth}--, are remembered 
doubtless with like affection by those whose lives have been enriched 
by their labors. 

"But I need make no apology in mentioning as worthy of peculiar 
honor the name of one young lady teacher of our time, who served us 
for a series of years with singleness of aim, and with remarkable en- 
ergy and success. My old school-mates here to-day will anticipate 
me in giving the name of Mary B. Newell, now Mrs. E. B. Scott, of 
Brant, Calumet County, Wis. In my recollections of our teachers, it 
is but justice to say, that Miss Newell has ever occupied the central 
place. Nor does she lose this position when I enlarge the group by 
adding the honored and titled names of the teachers of my subsequent 
years. It must have been as early as 1830, when in tlie vigor and 
bloom of her young womanhood she was first introduced to us as our 
teacher. In despite of a strictness at which even those days sometimes 
demurred, she has always been nearest my ideal of a good teacher. 
No escape was there from sharp work in her school. If she could not 
instill wisdom into us by gentle means, none better than she knew how 
to whip it into her pupils, and there were, I think, few among us who 
did not, sooner or later, test the quality of the birch as plied by her 
hand, with moderation where that would do, but unsparingly if the 
case required it. 

"But whipping by no means describes her usual method. With tlie 
instinct of a cultivated Christian young lady, and with rare skill, she 
found the nobler side of her pupils and awakened in them conscience 
and a love for their tasks, and then, by an enthusiasm that made her 



THE AFTER DINNER SPEECHES. 147 

the very embodiment of life, she inspired as well as instructed her pu- 
pils, and so in a good degree made the daily work of that old scliool- 
house a fine art. 

" iSTor was this all. The pupils of Mary Newell will never forget with 
what persevering endeavor she taught them to think. With a patience 
and tact that no dullness on our part could thwart, she made us un- 
derstand the distinction between the questions, What? How? and 
Wliy? and so led our little minds in the path of a true analysis, and 
contributed to our development more than could any amount of mere 
learning and saying lessons. Is it a wonder, then, that neither scores 
of years, nor the rivers, mountains and plains of a continent that for 
most of that time have intervened, have removed her from the place 
slie had gained in our hearts. For one I can say that a feeling of 
grateful respect for her, and a desire to do her honor, placing her in 
this regard next in m}^ heart to a mother, have been among the inspi- 
rations of my life. 

''Miss Newell, many years ago, removed to the West, where she con- 
tinued to lahor as a teacher till at past the age of sixty she was hap- 
pily married. At her visit among us a few years since, with her 
husband, we, the boys and girls of her early days, were proud to find 
that single life had left no blight upon our dear old teacher. Loving 
and loved all the way by succeeding generations of young life, neither 
time nor occasion had she to try the experience of the "anxious and 
aimless." Fresh and fair, and in heart as young as ever, she furnished 
a practical refutation of the whim of writers of fiction, that only in 
wifehood and motherliood can tlie charms of womanhood be preserved 
and find their fairest development." 

The next toast was, "A name revered, Ebenezer B. Wright," to 
whose memory Rev. Simeon Miller gave a deserved testimonial. 

"Our honored relic, the Old Meeting-house," brought to the fronb 
Hon. Edwin Booth, of Philadelphia, a native of the town, who had 
been desired to preface his remarks by reading a poem luiuded in 
anonymously, which was as follows : 

P0E:\r. 

In good old times of wliich we read, 
Before the thought of gain and greed 
Had blunted all our finer feeling, 
Had set our better judgment reeling, 
There lived a very worthy dame, 
And Springfield they had called her name. 
In fashion then (now 'twould be rare) 
Her frequent ofljpring elainied her care. 



148 THE CENTENNIAL. 

When tliey had strength and courage sliown 

To manage matters of tlieir own, 

Slie gave to each a plot of ground 

"With woods enough to fence it round, 

And bade tliem wise as serpents be, 

For deadly foes tbey soon might see, 

Wliose craft and cruelty combined 

To make tliem dreaded bymankind. 

In those old times of wliicli I write, 

Were hearts like oak, and arms of might. 

The treacherous foe, subdued at last, 

Their watchings and their terror past, 

The people quiet tilled tlie ground, 

While jjlentcous peace their efforts crowned. 

Thus of tlie mother, good and mild ; 

My tiieme shall be her youngest child 

But one, — Ludlow, (you've heard her name. 

With others, told on rolls of fame,) 

Who took lier time in seventy-four, 

But annals show not at what hour. 

Her dowry gained was rather damp. 

Consisting of a cedar swamp; 

Such as it was she took with grace. 

And went to work to gain a place 

For self in records then kept well ; 

IJow well she did those rolls must tell. 

Though rather green in gentler art, 

Yet claimed to have a clever start 

In farmer's skill and district schools. 

In which well taught are simpler rules; 

(But higher rank from out of town. 

For some at Westfield seek renown. 

And some at Wilbraham gather lore, 

To lay, 'chance, at a farmer's door.) 

She's managed well from year to year 

To fill the larder, held so dear; 

Always was bread on pantry shelves. 

And needing ones might help themselves. 

Mayhap the pork would all give out. 

But then she'd catch the speckled trout; 

Turkeys and pigeons from the wood. 

Served up in sh»pe, were very good ; 

Ofttimes a deer in forest found, 

Was easy game with gun and hound. 

She struggled on bravely, through trial and ill. 

And proved the old saw of a way and a will ; 

She fixed up her kitchen so tidy and clean. 

Nor thought she nor cared she for better, I ween ; 

For weightier matters had filled up her head, 

And her sons into many a confab were led. 



THE CENTENN'IAL POEM. 149 

On shearing tlie slicep and carding tlie wool, 
On weaving the cloth already to pull ; 
" Yonng Zeke must have pants and Dan a new coat, 
And father's old waistcoat is nearly worn out. 
Poor Jerry must wait yet a year, perhaps two, 
Though his best Sunday breeches are just about through ;" 
So with making and planning each hour would well fill, 
Each helping his brother with hearty good-will. 
But the years sped away, and the factories soon 
Into garrets consigned wheel and clumsy hand-loom. 
Thus relieved, the good housewife could turn her attention 
To parlors and carpels of modern invention. 
Each article extra she joined to her wares 
Increased mucii her labors, her trials, her cares ; 
She sought all in vain to deliver her house 
From the speck of a fly or the tooth of a mouse ; 
Till she sighed to return to those primitive times 
When luxurious indulgences counted as crimes. 
But changes will come and she must keep pace. 
Or own up as beat in fashion's wild chase. 
The change most dear to farmer's heart 
Is that to chaise from clumsy cart. 
He drives to town from his plantation. 
And thinks he makes a great sensation. 
The horse the same, though seeming faster, — 
Do people think he is an Astor ? 
His produce waits, but now's no time ; 
Is not his turnout quite sublime? 
"With nothing gained, and something spent. 
His chaise shown off, he rests content. 
We have the nicest water, we have the purest air, 
Our homes may not be splendid, but they are very fair. 
If our water were not wholesome, 

Or our springs were less abundant, 
Madam S. would not be tempted 

To infringe the tenth conmiandmcnt. 
But she seems to be forgetful 

That her name was once derived 
From tlie bounteous springs of water 

Found when Pynchon first arrived. 
So she comes to Ltidlow, panting. 

Seizes now her flowing streams. 
While the townsmen stand astounded 

Like a man in troubled dreams. 
Till the plan is all completed. 

And the work is well begun ; 
But we now are ever hearing 

" What by Ludlow can be done ? " 
Shall we tax the thing in toto, 

Shall we tax the thing in part ? 



150 THE CENTENNIAL. 

There's a way to do it riglitly, 

Hut at wliat point sliall we start? 
Springfield's citizens are saying 

That we find ourselves too late ; 
That we should have given our veto 

At the very earliest date. 
Now the city-full is chuckling 

Over fortune's quiet smiles, 
Tliinking slie shall soon have water 

Brouglit through pipes so many miles. 
Seems to me she soon will laugh from 

T'other corner of her mouth, 
When the streamlets' onward moving 

Shall be stopped in time of drougiit ; 
For those brooks, so pure and limpid, 

Are not always found to flow. 
Some completely dry in summer. 

Some are often very low ; 
So, ye city damsels, hasten, 

Washing up your costly laces ; 
Whence will come the needed torrents 

For tlie cleansing of your faces ? 
We may all be croaking plowmen, 

Hardly worth a thought or care. 
But, denizens of Springfield, 

Hear us, when we cry " Beware ! " 

Mr. Booth tlien spoke on the tlieme assigned, alluding to the pecu- 
liarities of the church service when he was a boy, relating several inci- 
dents, much to the delight of the audience, and pleading for the pres- 
ervation of the time-honored structure. 

"Our Aged Mother, the City of ^Springfield," was answered by 
Mayor J. M. Stebbins of that place, who resented the epithet applied, 
claiming that the City was never so young or thriving as to-day, 
and bearing the best of wishes to the town, complimenting the citi- 
zens upon the sturdy worth of the denizens of Ludlow. 

A sentiment from a citizen, " Springfield in 1774, Ludlow in 1874 : 
'She that vvatereth shall be watered also herself,'" pleasantly intro- 
duced the next toast — 

"'Our INIother, boasting of riches and independence, must yet ask a 
drink of water from her child." This sentiment had been assigned to 
Hon. A. D. liriggs, of the Springfield Board of Water Commissioners, 
from whom the following letter was now read : — 

SriMXdFiELD, June 15, 1874. 
J. P. Hubbard, Esq., Chairman: — 

^fjl Daw Sir : — Your favor inviting me to respond to a " sentiment " 
at your Centennial Celebration on the seventeenth is at hand, for which 



MR. c. o. chapin's eesponse. 151 

I thank you, and regret that an engagement at Boston on that day 
obliges me to decline, but have done a better thing by j'^ou in securing 
as my substitute, Charles 0. Chapin, Esq., the Chairman of our Board 
of Water Commissioners, who promises to be present and respond to 
the sentiment referred to in your letter. 

It was said by one of the greatest men who ever lived that " he was 
born one hundred years old, and always grew younger and younger, 
until after four-score years he died an impetuous boy ! " For this occa- 
sion I propose as a sentiment : " Ludlow — May she upon this, the one 
hundredth anniversary of her existence as a town, experience a new 
birth ; and not only during four-score years but forever, continue to 
grow younger and younger, ever recollecting that the true greatness of 
a town consists, not in its breadth of territory, or the number or 
wealth of its people, but in its successful efforts to elevate and ennoble 
humanity." 

Mr. Chapin being introduced, said, very neatly : — 

The graceful allusion to the intimate relationship of Springfield and 
Ludlow, that of parent and child, the tenderest of all ties, brings to 
mind the interesting and touching story of that dutiful and, of course, 
beautiful daughter, who, when her venerable father was in danger of 
famishing, bared her bosom to his aged lips and proffered him that 
sustenance without which he would have perished. There can be but 
one fault in this comparison, one variation from this parallelism, and 
that would arise from my inability to answer some carping critic or, 
possibly, some practical councilman from ray own city, Avho may rise 
in his seat and confound me with the question, " How much did the 
old gentleman pay for this privilege ? " History gives us no light on 
this point. But for the benefit of the alderman and the common 
councilman of the future, I would state that every item in the history 
of this transaction is recorded, and every dollar of expenditure is 
properly vouched for. And here let me say that I fear very many of 
the good people of Ludlow regard themselves as sinned against 
by the citizens of Springiield in general, by the Water Commission- 
ers, all and singular, who are sinners above all their fellows, and 
by the chairman of the board, wdio must be the very chief of sin- 
ners. What audacity, what temerity mi;st we possess to stand up 
before this orthodox community with such a characterization, such 
a stigma upon us ! Why, sir, I should expect to see trooping in upon 
us from yonder quiet inclosure the outraged spirits of the " forefathers of 
the hamlet" to scourge us from this gathering of their children. We 
are no such men ; we represent no such people. There is a charitable 



152 THE CEXTEXNIAL. 

old adage which maintains that the devil is not so black as he has 
been painted. I trust we shall not prove so bad as you may have 
feared. I know there have been some misunderstandings, some differ- 
ences of opinion, but time and a better acquaintance will soften all 
prejudice, make clear all misunderstandings, and help us to dwell to- 
gether in peace and unity, and in the exercises of neighborly offices 
and good fellowship. To that end I will give as a sentiment : " Ludlow 
and Springfield — Bound and cemented together as tbey soon will be, 
may there be no break in tlie bonds, and may the record of all differ- 
ences be writ only in water." 

The final toast — "The Men who Drugged us" — was answered by 
Dr. William B. Miller of Springfield, a native of the town, who spoke 
concerning its physicians, and closed with a suggestion that Spring- 
field should give Ludlow an invitation to return into the family again, 
to which a stentorian voice responded, "Pay your debts first," which 
the Doctor acknowledged as apropos. 

A number of letters of invitation to the centennial exercises were 
read. 

FROM HON. H. L. DAWES, 
CONGRESSMAN REPRESENTING THE TOWN. 

I am very much obliged to the Committee of the Town of Ludlow for 
the kind invitation to participate in their approaching Centennial Cele- 
bration. I regret that official engagements will prevent my taking 
part in those interesting exercises. A hundred years in the life of 
the town can not but be full of interest and instruction, and I should, 
had it been possible, have found great pleasure in not only taking i^art 
in your Centennial but visiting your people. 

FROM HON. GEORGE M. STEARNS, 

DISTRICT ATTORNEY. 

I received your invitation to be present at the interesting celebration 
of your Town's Centennial, and should be greatly pleased to participate 
with you in the ceremonies of the occasion. But my close attention 
is required at the present term of court, and I shall be compelled to 
forego the pleasure. 

FROM HON. N. T. LEONARD, 
OF WESTFIELD. 

The state of my health will prevent my complying witli your kind 
invitation to mingle witli the citizens of your town in their approach- 



LETTERS OF REGRET. 153 

ing Centennial Celebration. A residence in the county now wanting 
but a few da3's of half a century has afforded me opportunities of 
making the acquaintance of many of the citizens of Ludlow, and the 
recollections connected therewith are mainly pleasant. 

FROM HON. HENRY FULLER, 
SENATOR OF THE DISTRICT. 

I most sincerel}' regret your kind invitation to be present at your 
Centennial Celebration did not reach me till the 16th, as I should have 
been most luippy to have joined with you and your fellow-townsmen 
on the occasion. 

FROM HON. GEORGE D. ROBINSON, 
OF CHICOPEE, THE TOWX's REPRESEN'TATIVE TO THE GENERAL COURT. 

Accej^t my thanks for your invitation in behalf of your Town Com- 
mittee to be present at your Centennial Celebration on the seventeenth 
instant. I regret to say it will be next to impossible for me to attend. 
As 3^our representative in Boston, I find that the Legislature will de- 
mand my attendance there later than the day named. With best 
wishes for a happy and successful union of old friends and renewal of 
old associations, I am yours, &c. 

FROM COL. HARVEY CHAPIN, 
OF SPRINGFIELD. 

Your invitation to be present on the occasion of the Centennial Cel- 
ebration, on the 17th, has been duly received. 1 appreciate fully the 
cordial and kindly feeling which prompts this token of respect to one 
who was on familiar terms with the men of Ludlow, sixty years ago, 
many of whom are now dead and gone. I should be pleased to make 
one of your number at this coming celebration, but my weight of years 
must be my excuse for declining this and similar festivities which 
would otherwise be most agreeable. 

Letters of regret were also received from Judge Morris, and from W. 
M. Pomeroy, of the Springfield Union. Jerry Miller, of Beloit, Wis., a 
former citizen, wrote a long letter containing interesting reminiscences 
of the town and its people. Letters were also received by the com- 
mittee from former ministers in the town. Rev. Isaac Jennison, over 
eighty years of age, the first regular pastor of the Methodist Society, 
and architect and builder of its original edifice as well, wrote thus: — 

I feel disposed to inform the dear friends of Ludlow that I have not 
forgotten those pleasant days and years I spent while at Wilbraham 
20 



154 THE CENTENNIAL. 

and Ludlow, 1825 and 1826 were employed in superintending the 
building of the old Academy at AVilhrahani and the little Church at 
Ludlow. "What good times we had in the revival at Ijudlow when the 
Fullers, Millers, Aldens and many others were converted. Dr. AVilbur 
risk and myself came over to aid in that good work. Most of them 
have gone to their reward in heaven. It would afford me much real 
enjoyment to meet any and all who remain — to he with you on 
Wednesday of next week, and review the past and exhort you all to 
cleave to the Lord. 

Revs. Philo Hawks, pastor of the IM. E. Church in 1836, J. W. 
Dadmun, in 1842, George Prentice, in 1859, and Thomas Marcy, pre- 
siding elder, 1854—7, also sent expressions of regret. 

The reading of these letters closed the formal exercises of the day, 
and the congregation was dismissed. But knots of older and newer 
acquaintances were gathered about the premises until nearly or quite 
time for the curfew bells. 

At an early evening hour the seats of the spacious Congregationalist 
Church were all well filled for the concert. A stage had been built 
across the west end of the room, on which the singers were seated. 
At about the appointed time Wilbur F. Miller, conductor, gave the 
signal and the exercises commenced with the anthem. Th-e pro- 
gramme was followed throughout the evening, with added pieces. 
Everything went off in accord with the spirit of the day and to uni- 
versal satisfaction. Many a dollar concert ticket has been sold to 
parties who have received for it an entertainment much inferior to 
this, the gift of the singers to the people of the town. The thanks of 
the people were more than due to all who participated, and not less 
to jNIessrs. J. Gilbert Wilson, pianist, and G. H. Southland, cornetist, 
of Springfield, and Mrs. Alvin Barton, of Knoxville, Tenn., than to 
the earnest and gifted singers of our own town. 

A not unpleasant episode enlivened the recess between parts. A 
hint had been given Hon. H. L. Dawes, a few days before, that the 
standing application for a post-office at Ludlow Center might find au 
opportunity for a favorable reply at this time. Mr. Dawes acted at 
once, and, having secured from the department the desired favor, for- 
warded directly the requisite papers, which reached Ludlow Center on 
the afternoon of the Centennial da}'. An announcement of the fact in 
the evening was the episode to which reference is made. And every 
one wondered why the institution had not before been established. 



THE CENTENNIAL. 



AFTEEPAST. 

There were many Ludlow people, who, from their aching limbs 
and wearied frames, the nest morning seemed to realize that the town 
was upon its second century. Yet bright and early came the helpers 
to aid in clearing away the outward vestiges of the unique celebration. 
So faithfully did the parties interested labor, that in two days a stran- 
ger would have failed to discover signs of the gathering anywhere 
about the green. The committee met once or twice to look over ac- 
counts and pass resolutions of thanks, and then all was seemingly as 
before. 

And yet not entirely so. The old town seemed to have dreamed a 
dream, and awoke to new life. The testimonials and encomiums 
coming from all sources seemed at the same time to encourage and in- 
cite the citizens to activity, and awaken the feeling of corporate pride. 
The comments of the press, subjoined, awakened much interest in the 
town and out of it : — 

OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. 

FROM THE SPRINGFIELD REPOBLICAN. 

Ludlow's history is that of a staunch puritanic town, while her tra- 
ditions, though they seldom reach out into the great world beyond her 
own borders, are yet replete with the deeds of good men and true, and 
rich beyond most towns hereabouts in the striking individualities 
which they preserve. The sentiment and flavor of the anniversary, 
this week, were rich, indeed. Few towns there are in the State 
that have kept so purely and quaintly the New England spirit of 
twenty-five and even fifty years ago, and none in this immediate region, 
certainly, have so completely ignored and kept at bay the restive rail- 
road spirit of these latter days. 

Alternating sunshine and rain were vouchsafed to Ludlow for her 
Centennial day, but she had resolved to celebrate the occasion with 



IT)!*) THE CENTENNIAL. 

unction, and so she did, in spite of wind and beating rain. Tlie event 
a3 it culminated was a notable one in various ways. 

FROM TUB SPRINGFIELD UNION. 

In spite of a drizzling rain, tins morning, sufficient to dampen the 
enthusia.<-m of any less stnrd5' community, this has been a j>roud day 
for old Ludlow. It is quite safe to say that no such ingathering of 
her sons and daughters had been seen since the town began its cor- 
porate existence, one hundred years ago. Like children assembling 
under the old family roof-tree for the annual Thanksgiving festival, 
they have assembled to celebrate this Centennial day of thanksgiving 
and praise. The figure is not inapt, for in a rural town like this, 
everybody knows everybody else, and the community, with few dis- 
tractions of any sort, becomes homogeneous to an extent impossible 
in a city, or even in a bustling village, until its population are, in a 
notable degree, as one family. , 

The dinner was one of many manifestations of the splendid, open- 
hearted hospitality which characterized the whole proceedings, and 
is indeed characteristic of the people of the whole town. Although 
the appetites of the multitude had a very keen edge from long wait- 
ing, the supplies were so abundant that if anybody went away hungry 
it was his own fault. It was an absolutely democratic gathering. 
Every man, woiflan and child in the town was freely invited, and was 
for the day a guest equally with those from abroad. 

The whole celebration, from beginning to end, was a success. All 
who had a share in the large amount of work necessarily involved in 
such an undertaking, are entitled to credit and commendation. The 
celebration was, as the Declaration of Independence asserted the gov- 
ernment ought to be, "hij the people and /or the people." 

FROM THE PALMER JOURNAL. 

Next Wednesday the people of Ludlow -will hold their Centennial 
Anniversary, and it will be a red-letter day for that town. They will 
have no heroic deeds to recount, no remarkable deeds to glorj' over, for 
the town was always a quiet, unostentatious little republic, its inhab- 
itants rugged as its hills and as firm in integrity and principle as the 
foundation upon which they stand. It has never been celebrated for 
anything besides the longevity of its citizens, and one or two Indian 
legends. If it has not excelled in brilliant geniuses or celebrated per- 
sons, it has neither given birth to any great rascals or criminals. 
Ludlow is a quiet, cosy, hospitable little town — a good place to com- 
mence life in, to emigrate from, and to return to, at least once in a 
hundred years. ****** 



OriNIOXS OF THE TKESS. 157 

Lowering skies and drenching showers were not in the programme 
prepared by the committee of arrangements, but they were provided 
for by two large tents, pitched in the grove just across the road from 
the Congregational Church, where more than two thousand persons 
gathered to join the interesting ceremonies of the occasion, Wednes- 
day. There was a general turn-out among the people of the town, 
and many came from abroad. 

FROM THE NEW ENGLAND HOMESTEAD. 

The One Hundredth Anniversar}^ of the settlement of Ludlow wa3 
celebrated on Wednesday of this week. The attendance was very 
large ; probably not less than two thousand persons were crowded in 
and about the mammoth tent which was provided for the meeting. 
The 17th of June was not claimed as the exact anniversary day of the 
town's settlement, but the month was chosen for a celebration because 
it was the most favorable season of the year to call together the sons 
and daughters of the town. The arrangements for this celebration 
were very complete ; the entire company were sumptuously fed by the 
ladies of the town. It is rare to find a more enterprising community 
of farmers than those of Ludlow, and thoy have reason to feel proud 
of their ancestry, the record of the town, and the manner in which 
the Centennial was observed. 

FROM THE TOLLAND (cONN.) TRESS. 

(From a letter written by Austin Chapman, of Ellington, Ct.) 

On this notable day the old sanctuary w^as loaded down with crock- 
ery and eatables of every description, smiling with plenty for the 
hungry and thirst}^, as a covert from the storms which caused many to 
seek protection under its sheltering roof, through a long and dripping 
shower. Tlie tubs and pails were well filled with the pure water from 
the !Mineaclioag mountain, with the addition of a little ice. The 
whole thing passed off silently and agreeably, with a general satisfac- 
tion to all. 

The following financial exhibit shows just how much was taken 
from the town's treasury to defray Centennial expenses: — 

FINANCIAL EEPORT. 

Expenses Committee on Arrangements, ^1G3 52 

Expenses Committee on Collation, 141 42 

Expenses Committee on Music, ' 97 50 



Amount carried forward, $402 44 



158 THE CENTENNIAL. 

Amount brought forward, $402 44 

Expenses Committee ou Printing, 37 00 

Expenses Committee on Programme, 70 00 



Total, $509 44 

To tlie credit of all concerned be it said, that no individual charged 
a cent for services rendered in making all these arrangements. 

So universal was the approbation given to the celebration that but 
trifling opposition was made in the fall meeting, November 3d, to the 
action thus recorded, which action was taken upon a motion made by 
C. L. Buell, one of the staunchest friends of the enterprise, one, more- 
over, who would gladly have served on the general committee had 
health allowed : 

"Voted that the town cause to be printed five hundred copies of the 
history of its One Hundredth Anniversary and other historical facts, 
and that each family living in the town at the time receive a copy 
gratis. 

"Voted that the Centennial Committee be the committee to carry 
out the doings of this meeting. 

"Voted to appropriate three hundred dollars to defray expenses of 
the same." 



APPENDIX. 



N. B. — So far as practicable, the notes in the Appendix have been 
arranged in chronological order. 

A. (page 3.) 

There have been received two accounts of the Indian Leap affair; 
one from Hon. G. M. Fisk of Palmer, the other from Hon. Edwin 
Booth of Philadelphia, both connoisseurs in local traditions. We give 
the points of divergence from the narration of the text. Mr. Fisk 
says: "The story purported to have come from a Spirit. The little 
island near the Leap was said to be the place where the Indians sat 
around their council fires and judged their captives. There used, 
to be a cave in the rocks where, it was said, the chief had his head- 
quarters, and I believe to this day there is a sort of hole in the ledge 
where the Indians pounded their corn. 

" The story was that a partj^ of Indians had assembled on the island 
to judge a captive, when they were surprised by the whites, and fled 
to the shore, betaking themselves to the little peninsula forming the 
Indian Leap. Here they were trapped, as there was no alternative 
but surrender or plunge down the precipice. They hesitated a moment, 
when the old chief took his little son in his arms, gave the war-whoop 
and plunged down the precipice. The rest followed, and all were 
killed except a squaw, who caught on an overhanging limb, but a shot 
from the pursuing party put an end to her." 

The account bj' Mr. Booth will probably be more pleasing to 3'oung 
lady readers, from the different stand-point it assumes. We regret 
the necessity upon us to cut out any of the interesting narration : 

"On this narrow tract of land tradition says there lived in all their 
native simplicity a small tribe of the red men. They had for a long 
succession of years there erected their rude wigwams, their wives and 
children had there rested amid the most retired and happy security, 
whilst he who was master of the lodge was chasing the frightened fawn 



IGO APPENDIX. 

or with eager eyes watched the stealthy fox, or, reclining upon some 
favorite rock, harbed the darting fisli. Tlicy lived in peace with all 
their Indian neighbors and spent their time in hunting or in fish- 
ing. The squaw or little one greeted the return of the red man to his 
wigwam with the smile of affection, and listened with interest to the 
tale of his hair-breadth escapes. The chief tain, called by the English, 
Hoariiig Thunder, cultivated a spirit of love and peace among his band. 

" Philip of Pokanoket had been roused from that state of peace and 
harmony which so long had existed between his father and the English. 
He had put out the pipe of peace, and the tonuihawk and scalping- 
knife were ready for their blood}'' use. B}'' the most artful means he 
had aroused nearly all the Indians of Massachusetts and Connecticut 
to take arms with him against the pale-face. Cries of the helpless, 
sounding terror and distress, were heard far and wide through the 
colonies. The bloody tales of Springfield and Deerfield massacres had 
been recited, and the inhabitants assembled at their places of worship 
Avith arms in their hands, and when they rested at night it was with 
one arm encircling the child trembling with fear and with the other 
grasping the firelock, expecting to hear the dread footsteps of the In- 
dian ere the sun arose. Years rolled around, and the mighty chief 
with many of the tribes were conquered. 

" In all this struggle the little band of Caughmanyputs were the 
true friends of both red and white man. They harmed no one. On 
their isolated peninsula they lived harmoniously. The land they oc- 
cilpied was barren, and the white men were justified in forcing the 
Indian from the fruitful soil in other parts. This, we could readily 
suppose, would offer no temptation for a war of extermination against 
Koiiriiig Thunder and his little baud. But this could not be so. The 
Christian pale-face was envious of the happiness of the Caughmany- 
})uts, and was more disposed to believe their happiness arose from some 
hidden treasure in the earth rather tlian from contentment or domestic 
enjoyment. Preparations for an extermination were commenced and 
soon complete. 

"It was the habit of Roaring Thunder to take his little sou of 
twelve with him each morning in the pleasant season to the extremity 
of the neck, and tell him of the land where dwelt the Great Spirit, 
and to which they must soon go. He would there pay devout homage 
to that Spirit whose voice he had heard in mighty thunder or roaring 
wind. After returning one morning from his service to the wigwams, 
where his people were amusing themselves in innocent pastimes, the 
startling intelligence came that a band of soldiers was seen approach- 
ing. Roaring Thunder at once commanded his men to arms to defend 



INDIAN TRADITIONS. 161 

their soil and lored ones, gathering them into the narrow passage 
which led to their houses, and there waited to defend dearest rights. 
The soldiers, led on by their captain, advanced with slow and cautious 
step, and the first intimation of the presence of the Indians was a 
shower of arrows among them. Falling back for a moment, tlioy fixed 
bayonets and charged. The Indians retreated to their wigwams, where 
they again attempted a defense, but were soon driven from their 
shelter by the merciless pale-faces who, still advancing, heeded not 
the cries of children or lamentations of squaws. They drove the band 
of Caughmanyputs to the consecrated rock. Obeying the command 
of their chief, in an instant a score of red forms were seen leaping 
into the air, then sinking amid the foaming surge below. All but 
Roaring Thunder and his boy had gone. The old man clasped to Itis 
breast the black-eyed boy, as with uplifted eyes he committed him to 
the care of the red man's God. Then turning slowly around, as 
though he would even from his enemies conceal the dreadful deed, he 
dashed him on the rocks below, and gazing saw the waters hurry off 
his mangled form. Raising himself to his utmost height, conscious of 
his majesty of form, he takes a survey of his once happy home. The 
objects of his affection are not there. He gazes far upon his hunting 
grounds, his fishing-places and his target-sjjorts, and to them he waves 
a deep farewell, then with an eye of vengeance sharp he looked upon 
his deadly foes, — throwing up his keen dark eyes into the blue arch of 
Heaven, he gave a terrific spring and a savage yell, and fell upon the 
rocks below, a mangled corpse, — the last of the Caughmanyputs. 

" His spirit went 
To safer world in deptlis of woods embraced, 
Some happier Island in tlie watery waste 
Where slaves once more their native land behold, 
No fiends torment, — no Christians thirst for gold." 

B. (See page 6.) 

Proprietors of the Outward Commons, East of the River, North 
Division, called in records "First or Upper Division:" 

No. of Lot. Name. Bodds. Foots. In. Ko of Lot. Name. Bodde. Foots. In. 

*i Jonathan Burt, Jr., 5 ^3 7 ^° Japhet Chapin, 23 2 i 

*2 Eliakim Cooley, 11 I 6 *ii Samuel Stebbins, 9 li 9 

*3 John Warner, ii l 7 12 Dea. Benjamin Parfons, 12 6 7 

4 James Warriner, Seni"., 20 o 8 13 Samuel Of born, i IS 6 

5 Jonathan Ball, 11 13 o 14 Thomas Merrick, Sen'., 18 15 7 

6 Jonathan Morp^an, 5 10 i 15 William Brooks, o 8 .9 
*7 Qr. Mali. Geo. Colton, 25 7 3 *i6 Samuel Marflifield, 18 2 6 

8 Mr John Holyoke, 26 4 o *i7 Ebenezer Jones, 6 7 10 

9 Wid° Parfons, 10 6 8 *i8 Benjamin Knowlton, 5 11 o 

21 



162 



APPENDIX. 



6 
5 
4 
9 

10 

5 
5 
8 

5 
8 

4 

5 



II 

7 



Ko. ofI>ot Nome. Rodds. Foots. In. 

19 Samuel Jones, 3 13° 

20 Vi(5lory Sikes, x 11 i 

21 Obadiah Miller, Junr., 2 15 
*22 James Petty, 4 

23 Jofeph Marks, I 

24 Samuel Ball, 12 

25 Daniel Cooley, 13 

26 Ephraim Colton, Sen'., 15 

27 John Keep's eftate, 6 
*28 Jofeph Ely, i 
♦29 Tncreafe Sikes, Sen'., 10 

30 James Ofborn, 2 

*3i Obadiah Miller, Senr, o 

32 Benjamin Stebbins, Senf.,5 

33 Obadiah Cooley, Sen''., 20 

34 Wid". Beamon, 8 

35 Jofeph Leonard, 10 

36 James Dorchefter, 12 

37 Thomas Taylor, Sen''., 6 

38 Thomas Swetman, 2 10 

39 Lt. John Hitchcock, 22 2 
»40 Wido. Sikes, Sen''., 9 6 

41 Nathaniel Blifs, Sen""., 9 8 

42 Nathaniel Sikes, Sen''., 4 o 

43 Capt. Thomas Colton, 10 13 

44 Samuel Miller, 5 7 

45 Peter Swink, 3 13 

46 John Colton, i 5 

47 Luke Hitchcock, S""., 10 7 
♦48 James Munn, i 12 

49 Jonathan Afliley, 14 11 

50 Thomas Jones, I 12 

51 Thomas Taylor, I 10 

52 John Dumbleton, 11 4 

53 Jonathan Taylor's eflate, 5 1 1 
*54 David Throw, i 5 

55 Nathaniel Burt, Sen'., 23 o 

56 Samuel Ely, Sen""., 11 7 

57 Thomas Stebbins, 5 10 

58 Samuel Blifs, Jun'., 10 14 

59 John Hannon, 9 13 

60 Lt. Abel Wright, 16 14 

61 John Dorchefter, 22 2 

62 Thomas Cooper, iS 7 
♦63 Wid". Bedortha, 4 3 

64 John Clarke, 2 3 

65 John Stewart, 7 7 

66 Rowland Thomas, 12 6 

67 Daniel Beamon, i 5 

68 Samuel Bedortha, 4 14 



3 
3 
9 
o 

5 
8 
o 
o 
o 

2 

9 

10 
8 
o 

7 
o 

3 
o 

4 

6 

10 

9 
8 
6 

3 
o 
6 
o 

4 



6 
4 
9 
6 
6 
o 
4 
9 
3 
4 
II 
10 

7 
o 

3 



No. of Lot. Name. Rndds 

69 Jofeph Afliley, 14 

70 Wid . Munn, 2 

71 Edward Fofter, 9 

72 Richard Wait, i 

73 John Blifs, 18 

74 Ifaac Morgan, o 

75 John Scott, 7 

76 Enfign Jofeph Stebbins, 15 

77 Henry Gilbert, 4 

78 Wid'^. Riley, 4 
*79 John Burt, Senr., 5 

So John Norton, 8 

81 Scliool Lot, 18 

82 Goodwife Fofler's eft., 9 

83 Lazarus Miller, 2 
*84 James Stephenfon, i 

85 John Clark's eftate, 6 

86 Phillip Mattoon, 5 

87 Edward Stebbins, 5 

88 Jofeph Thomas, 9 

89 Samuel Blifs, Sen''., 18 

90 Jofeph Cooley, 5 

91 John Withers, i 

92 Samuel Owen, 9 

93 Miles Morgan, 10 

94 Benjamin Cooley, 7 
*95 Col°. Pynchon, 133 

96 Nathaniel Munn, 3 

97 John Baggs, children of, 6 

3 

6 

16 

14 

19 

9 

12 

21 

7 

5 

19 

37 

17 

8 

5 
9 



Foots. In . 
II 4 



98 John Crowfoot, 

99 John Miller, 
100 Thomas Day, Sen"^., 
loi Jofeph Leonard, 

102 Wid". Horton, 

103 Henry Rogers, 

104 Dea"^. Jonathan Burt, 

105 Rev. Mr. Glover, 

106 Nicholas Ruft, 

107 James Barker, 
loS Henry Chapin, 
109 Lott for the Miniftry, 
no John Lamb, 

111 Thomas Miller, 

112 Thomas Gilbert, 

113 David Morgan, 

114 Samuel Blifs, 3d, 2 

115 Jofeph Bedortha, 9 

116 Jofeph Crowfoot's eftate, 7 

117 Enf". Cooley's eftate, 6 
liS David Lombard, 8 



7 
5 
9 
13 
9 



13 
4 
3 
9 

7 
6 

4 
II 
II 

4 
5 
3 

14 
5 
6 
I 
3 

15 
8 
2 
8 
5 
5 
8 

8 
6 
8 
o 
4 
4 
4 
10 

4 
8 

13 
14 
6 

14 
9 



10 
10 



4 
6 
I 
2 
o 

5 
2 
8 
6 
o 
II 
10 
6 

9 

10 

5 



9 
9 
8 

7 
9 
o 
o 
o 
o 

2 

6' 

4 
6 

4 

o 

o 
10 
II 



ALLOTMENT OF COMMONS. 163 

No. of Lot. Name. Rodds. Foots. In. No. of Lot. Name. Rodde. Foots. In. 

119 Samuel Terry, Senr., 9 6 11 123 Charles Ferry, 14 10 ir 

120 Abel Leonard, 639 124 Benjamin Leonard, 10 13 13 

121 Nathaniel Pritchard, 8 i 11 125 John Barber, o 11 4 

122 Ifaac Colton, '3 3 3 

Second, or Middle Division, north of the Cbicopee Eiver: 

No. of Lot. Name. Rodds. Footti. In. No. of Lot. Name. Rodds. Foots. In. 

1 Samuel INLarflifield, iS 2 6 11 Eliakim Cooley, il i 6 

2 Coll. Pynchon, 133 15 9 12 Jonathan Burt, Jun'., 5 13 7 

3 David Throw, 150 13 Widow Bedortha, 434 

4 John Warner, 11 i 7 14 Increase Sikes, Jun^, 10 8 o 

5 Samuel Stebbins, 9 n 9 15 John Burt, Sen"'., 5 4 10 

6 James Stephenfon, 141 16 James Petty, 460 

7 Benjamin Knowlton, 5 u o 17 Quartermafter Colton, 25 7 3 

8 Jofeph Stebbins, 15 12 o 18 James Munn, i 12 5 

9 Obadiah Miller, Jun^., 089 19 Jofeph Ely, i 5 o 
10 Ebenezer Jones, 6 7 10 20 Widow Sikes, Sen'., 966 

The list of the first division is from the records kindly furnished 
by Clerk Folsom of Springfield; those of the second from Stebhins' 
Wilbraham, page 196. A glance at ancient deeds will identify many of 
these lots. Those drawing lots in Ludlow in both divisions are starred 
in the first. The discrepancy in names and amounts may occur from 
a variation in the draft, first placed in good shape for preservation a 
hundred years after the allotment, or from an error on the part of 
copyists, or from former misprints. Lots Ko. 33 to 39 were not far 
from Gilbert Atchinson's house; the school lot, No. 81, was in the 
range of the present Center school-house ; 66 was near S. P. Parsons', 
and 104 passed through D. K. Paine's farm. Others can be readily 
traced. For a long period the commons were free plunder, so far as 
pasturage, wood or herbage were concerned. 

The committee to run the outward and inward common line was 
Capt. ]S^ath^ Downing, Henry Burt and Pelatiah Glover, the latter 
to arrange for a meeting of the committee. The allotment was made 
March 13, I699. The commons are said to have extended four miles 
and forty rods to the Cbicopee River. 

C. (See pp. 17-19.) 
LUDLOW— "BURIAL HILL OF THE PEOPLE." 

In response to a note of inquiry sent to the mayor of Ludlow in 
England, the following very pleasant and hearty letter was received 
early in January : 

Ludlow, Shropshire, England, December 21, 1874. 

Sir : — I have received your letter of the 5th instant, and I liave 



164 APPENDIX. 

made enquiries upon the subject about which you write. I am afraid 
tliere is no record of the origin of the name of your town here; — 
tliose with wliom I have conversed think that it may either have been 
taken from some person of the name of Ludlow, wlio Accompanied the 
first settlers, or from a noted republican of that name, or from the fact 
that Milton, the poet, whose republican opinions were well known, was 
connected more or less with our town. But this is all conjecture. 

I am sending you by book-post a small sketch of our town. The 
real history of Ludlow, which is an 8vo. volume of 500 pages, and 
written by Thomas Wright, the antiquary, is very interesting, but too 
large to send. 

Ludlow is said to be a Saxon word — Low or " Illaw," signifying a 
hill or tumulus, and "Lud" or " Lude " may be the name of a per- 
son : — London is said to be the Luds' town ; — or it may be a name 
signifying a number of people: the word "lewd" having been orig- 
inally applied to "common people" not necessarily wicked, or lawless. 
— In Wiclif's New Testament, Acts ix., verse 13, the apostles are called 
" unlettered, and lewed." 

The word Ludlow may thus mean "the grave, or burial hill of the 
people." A tumulus formerly existing in the present church-yard was 
lowered in A. D. 1199, and bones of three men were discovered, who 
were made out to be Irish saints. They are now supposed rather to 
have been Roman or Celtic remains. There is a place called Ludford 
just below the hill on which Ludlow is built ; — on the other side of the 
river Teme. 

If I can afford you any further information I shall be happy to do so. 
I am, sir, yours faithfully, 

JoHX Adxey, Mayor of Ludlow. 

Alfred Noon, Esq. 

I>. (Pages 32, 33.) 

Thefe lines were written on the fudden and myfterious death of 
Meffrs. Jedediah Paine and Solomon AV'right, who were drowned as 
they were attempting to crofs over a mill-pond, in South Hadley, De- 
cember 23, 1789. They belonged to Ludlow. 

(Come all my friends and liear me tell 
Of two young men, what them befell) 
Two fmart young men, who died of late 
'Twill make the hardeft heart to ache. 
Thefe two young men to Springfield went, 
To trade it was their full intent ; 
We hope and truft they want to blame. 
But every thing did them detain. 



PAINE AND WRIGnT. . 165 

The afternoon being almoft gone, 

They left the town and fo went on, 

Acrofs the river for to gain — 

But dark commenced on Springfield plain. 

For to go home they were debar'd, 

Not having money to pay their charge : 

A cart and oxen they both had — 

To crofs the river made it bad. 

This being the lafl day of the week, 

Which for their homes made them to feek. 

They dropped their teams and flayed that night, 

And ftarted home by the morning light. 

They both went home we well do know, 

And to their bufmefs did go ; 

Not in the lead were they afraid, 

But foon went where they were betray'd. 

He who complained was much to blame. 

But we (hall not declare his name ; 

We hope repentance he will have. 

Before he comes down to the grave. 

But to declare what I intend, 

A fpecial writ for them was fent ; 

December the 23d day, 

They went to court, as many fay. 

They were detained there that day, 

Had both the fine and cofts to pay ; 

But foon appeared there a man, 

Who gave his note for both of them ; 

Thefe two young men fat out for home, 

Not thinking death would fo foon come. 

They both were feen before 'twas night, 

Just as the fun went out of fight : 

Like two young roes run down a hill 

And fleering right towards a mill, — 

They left the bridge, we well may know 

It was before determined fo. 

The ice was thin, they both funk down. 

Young people hear the folemn found ; 

Grim death did clafp them in his hand — 

O, who is he can death withfland, 

Thefe young men's hats next day were found. 

Which foon alarmed all the town ; 

Ten in the morning they were found. 

Laid their cold bodies in the ground. 

Solomon Wright and Jede. Paine, 

So this is true thefe were their names ; 

Thus in the heat of youthful blood, 

They perifhed in the flowing flood. 

Their fouls are gone to God the jufl, 

Who form'd them firfl out of the dufl. 



16G APPENDIX. 

It may be remarked that these lines were attributed to one Collins 
Hill, who was soon after warned out of town, though probabl}'^ not be- 
cause of the extent of poetic talent. Indeed, while the committee were 
making inquiries respecting antiquities, a veteran lady informed them 
that she knew of no poetry on the matter, but ''there was some varses 
writ about it." 

E. 

A church letter of y* olden time' may be of interest. Tlie following 
was found among Mr. Steward's papers. 

To the Church of Chrift in Ludlow 

Rev^ & Beloved : — Thefe may certify that Sabrina Wilfon, the 
Wife of John Wilfon has been admitted as a Member in full Commun- 
ion with the 2'^ Church of Chrifl in Chatham. While with us, fhe walked, 
fo far as appears agreeably to her Chriftian profeffion. She is therefore 
with the confent of the Brethren recommended to your chrillian watch 
communion and fellowfliip in all gofpel Ordinances as a meet mem- 
ber of the Church of Chrift. — Wifliing that grace mercy and peace from 
the glorious head of the Church may be multiplied to you & the Church 
univerfal & afking your prayers for us We fubfcribe ourfelves yours in 
the faith of the gofpel. 

David Selden 
Pa/tor of the 2'^ Church in Chatham. 

Chatham, 22 February, 1798. 

Endorsement : — " Read and voted Admiffion, according to the De- 
fign of the Contents April 29"' 98, and M" Wilfon received to our IVatch 
and Fellowfliip. 

A. Steward. 

F. 

The following letter, written at the opening of the century, will be 
appreciated as a sanij^le of the style epistolary of those days. It is di- 
rected to " Dr. Sylvester Nash Ludlow." 

Wilbraham Feby 4 1800 

Sir it was with the greatift pleafure that I Received your letter dated 
November 2"* Informing me of your health you gave me fome incour- 
agement of comeing to fe me before long it is now 7 or 8 month fins I 
have feen you if I ant miftaken I expected to receive a vifit from you 
before now but it don t come. I hope that you have not forgot us I 
want to fe you very Mutch and fo do your acquaintance I hope to re- 
ceive a vifit from you before long we are all well at prefent and I hope 



LTOX rOEM. 167 

to hear of your good health and your family. I have nothing at.prefent 
to vvright only I want to fe you very mutch. I wrote this in a hurry 
you muft excufe my bad writing and fo I must wind off. 

I am your friend and well wiflier, 

Luke Brewer 
If you can read it 
I fhall be glad. 

There can be little question as to the desire for a visit. What, how- 
ever, was the occasion for the effusion on the third page is hardly so 
evident. It reads thus : 



down 


see 


you 


me 


and 


may 


love 


not 


up 


you 


I 


you 


read 


and 


that 


and 



G. (See page 27.) 

The following lines are attributed to Mr. Gad Lyon. He evidently 
courted the muses to some purpose. 

REFLECTIONS. 

ON THE MORNING OF JAN. I ft 1804. 

WHEN the kind goddefs fleep all eyes did clofe, 

And mortals all lay rapt in foft repofe ; 

No voice was heard to whifper thro' the gloom 

But all was hufhed and filent as the tomb. 

Then, then without a groan, the aged year, 

Did tremble, totter, fall and difappear ; 

Compel I'd by Fate to pafs that folemn bourn. 

From which no period pall: can e'er return. 

Which proves this truth moft clear to reafon's eye, 

That time itfelf, like mortal man, muft die. 

How many millions of the human race, 

Which hailed tiie morn when the paft year took place ; 

Whofe healthful days and profpects of delight, 

Made them forget that it would e'er be night ; 

By death's deftroying fcythe have been cut down, 

Whofe bodies now lie flumbering in the ground. 

How many millions on this morn, appear 

To wake and rife and wifli a happy year, 

Before December's cold and freezing breath. 

Shall haften to the fliades and tafte of death. 

Who now like thoughtlefs flieep, no danger fear. 

Nor dream the fatal meffcnger fo near. 

Since 'tis our fate for to refign our breath. 

And pafs the folemn, lonely vale of death. 

Let wifdom's choiceft dictates rule our heart, 

And never from her facred rules depart. 



1G8 



APPENDIX. 



Then fhould heaven's thunders fliake the ftarry roof, 

And forked lightnings lick our fpirits up ; 

Should trembling earth her opening jaws extend, 

And we into that fatal gulph defcend ? 

Should rapid whirlwinds fweep the foreft clean. 

And we fall victims in that awful fcene ? 

Should inundations deluge all the plain, 

And fliould we be among the thoufands flain ! 

Should peililence walk dreadful o'er the land. 

And with a ftern decree our lives demand ! 

Should blazing comets, in their raging ire. 

Draw near and fet this trembling world on fire, 

'Twould only waft us to the blefl abode, 

And place us in the paradife of GOD. 



II. 

A TAX BILL OF 1815. 



JOHN SIKES 

Your Taxes for 1815 are, 

D. C. M. 



otate tax, 


2 


n 




TOWN, do. 


^ 


6o 




PARISH, do. 


2 


i8 




SCHOOL, do. 


4 


Q2 




COUNTY, do. 


2 


32 






$15 15 



CALVIN SIKES, Collector. 
Rec'd Payment, pr WILLIAM PEASE. 



THE MILITIA THE OAKLEY BALLAD. 169 

I. 

THE MILITIA. 

A notice of the once famous Ludlow militia was inadvertentlj' omit- 
ted in the pages of the town annals. The time in which they figured 
was mainly from 1820 onward to 1843. In the earlier days of this 
period the training was under the State militia law, compelling all 
within a certain age to bear arms at stated times. The company was 
then called by the graphic title of "Flood-wood." On one occasion 
somewhere about the '30's a notable occurrence toolc place. The cap- 
tain having tendered his resignation, the duties of command rested on 
the highest lieutenant, who happened to be John Miller. Orders hav- 
ing been sent from the head-quarters in Springfield for general muster, 
Miller warned his company, trained them at the usual place, Ely Ful- 
ler's (A. P. Chapin's now), and proceeded to the place of rendezvous. 
By the rank of the captain the company had a certain position in the 
regiment, but as Ludlow was then, as now, out in the woods, the col- 
onel proposed to put Miller's men in an inferior position. Having first 
tested the spirit of his men, Miller informed the colonel that he must 
have his rightful position or none, and the position was that belonging 
to the captain whose command he represented. His demands not 
being allowed, he gave a signal to his men and their musicians (the 
best in the regiment) and led them away from the place of muster to 
the sound of fife and drum. Unfortunately, and wholly without in- 
tention on the part of Lieut. Miller, the signal was given and obeyed 
during the service of prayer. As a result the officer was court-mar- 
tialed and deprived of commission for three years. It was in this 
interim that Dr. Foggus was elected captain,* Miller's sentence hav- 
ing prevented the first choice of the men from consummation. When 
the time was up, however, Miller -was triumphantly elected captain, 
from which position he rose to be eventually lieutenant-colonel, com- 
manding a regiment. Later he was chosen captain of a picked company 
of militia, called liglit infantry, which consisted of something like 
sixty men. 

J. (See page 69.) 
THE OAKLEY BALLAD. 

(WUITTEN BY A YOUNG M.\.V IN HIS TEENS, AND SUNG WITH WAILS AT .MANY A 

FIRESIDE IN TOWN.) 

Come old and young, list to my song, 
While I its mournful strains prolong, 

*Sce page 55. 



170 APrENDIX. 

Of a yoiiiif; jjirl — uonie hear me tell — 
Who (lid a\v)iile in Jenksville dwell. 

Wlic-n yoiiiif; her mother did her give 
Unto her friends a while to live, 
And from her mother far she come 
With stranger friends to make her home. 

But soon these friends did fliisely prove, 
And showed to her no former love, 
For she by them was cruel used, 
And by her mistress was abused. 

A toilsome task siie had to do 
Ere to the factory she (Wd go ; 
And when into her room she went. 
The cruel tliong she often felt. 

Her cheeks soon lost their rosy hue, 
And she most melancholy grew; 
And when these gloomy thoughts did rise. 
The tears oft started from her eyes. 

She told her mates witiiin the mill 
She did herself intend to kill, 
And unto them these words did say, 
Upon her last ill-fated day : 

"I have a mother — lovely too — 
did she but my treatment know ! 
For me she'll weep when I am gone ; 
But all in vain — I can't return. 

" Sorrow hatli all my joy bereft 
Since I ray dear, dear mother left : 
Bat me no more she'll ever see. 
For with the dead I soon shall be." 

The bell had tolled the hour for noon 
When she, down-hearted, left her room. 
And on the river bank she went 
For to accomplish her intent 

The flowing deep soon o'er her closed, 
And she in silent death reposed; 
But none were there to view the scene 
Of her while struggling in the stream. 

The news soon spread that on that day 
Elizabeth had gone away, 
When search was made for her in vain, 
No tidings of her could they gain. 

A fortnight near had rolled its round. 
Ere they her lileless lio.iy found; 



THE OAKLEY BALLAD CLEKGYMEX, 



171 



Then flocked the people to the shore, 
To view the orphan girl once more. 

Then in tlie coffin her they laid 
And one short solemn prayer was eaid ; 
Then to the church-yard's lonely place 
They carried her for earth's embrace. 

Months passed by — her mother (;ame 
To view her darling child again ; 
Her lieart within her breast beat high 
As she unto the place came nigh. 

And when the horrid news was told, 
Her cheek turned pale, her blood ran cold ; 
Both night and day she did lament, 
And she almost distracted went. 

Elizabeth was fair and mild ; 

Her character was undefiled ; 

Her mind was free, her voice was sweet. 

Her heart was void of all deceit. 

Her age was scarcely four and ten, 
And she by many loved had been ; 
And manj' mourned the shocking fate, 
And oft this mournful tale relate 

No marble stone of sculptured name 
Doth mark the spot where she is lain. 
And her none evermore will see 
Until they reach eternity. 

K. 

SUCCESSION OF CONGREGATION ALIST MINISTERS, IN- 
CLUDING SUPPLIES. 

Installed. Co: 

Peletiah Chapin, 

David Haskell, 

Aaron Woodward, 
1793 Antipas Steward, 

Elijah Hedding, 

Alexander McLean, 1813 181(J 1866 C. L. Cushman, 1806 1874 



enced. 


Left. 


Installed. Cominence<l. 


Left. 


1774 


1775 


1835 David R. Austin, 1835 


18.37 


1784 


1786 


1839 Alonzo Sanderson, 1839 


1843 


1789 


1793 


1843 J. W. Tuck, 1843 


1859 


179;J 


1803 


Warren Mavo, 185'.) 


1862 


1810 


1811 


1864 Chester Bridgman, 1864 


18(16 



1819 Ebenezer B. Wright, 1819 18;:5 1875 S, V. McDutfee, 



1874 



SUCCESSION OF METHODIST MINISTERS, LUDLOW 

CENTER. 

(SINCIO OliOANIZING THE rRESENT CHURCM.) 

18'26 Wilbur Fisk, 1). 1). 1S3U-1 Samuel Davis. 

1827 I^aac Jennison. 1832 Salmon Hull. 

1829 Aaron Wait. 1833 Paul Townsend. 



172 


APPENDIX. 


1834 Charles D. Kogers. 


1852- 


1835 Amasa Taylor. 


1854- 


1836-7 Pliilo Hawks. 


1856 


1838 Cliarles Virgin. 


1857- 


1839-40 James Nicliols. 


1859- 


1841 William Cami.bell. 


1801 


1841-2 John W. Dadmun. 


1862- 


1843 William A. Clapp. 


18t;4- 


1844 William Fleming. 


1867- 


1845 Asa R.irnes. 


18G9 


1840 Kpliraim Scott. 


1870 


1847 Luther B. Clark. 


1871- 


1848-9 John Caldwell. 


1873- 


1850-1 Moses Stoddard. 





-3 James W. Mowry. 
-5 Kinsman Atkinson. 
Nathan A. Soule. 
-8 P'ranklin Fisk 
-60 George Prentice. 

William G. Leonard. 
-3 Daniel K. Banister. 
-G William J. Pomfret. 
-8 Levin A. Bosworth. 
Jonas M. Clark. 

John W. Lee. 
-2 John W. Merrill, D. D. 
-4 Alfred Noon. 



M. 

SUCCESSION OF MINISTERS AT JENKSYILLE. 

(M. E.,— Methodist Episcopal. Cong.,— Congregational.) 



1811-2 B. F. Lamhord, (M. E.) 

1846 Daniel E. Chapin, (M. E.) 

1847 David Sherman, (M. E.) 

1848 Z. A. :\Iudge, (M. E.) 
1848 William Hall. (Cong.) 

1857 W. H. Daniels, (.A[. E ) 

1858 David K. Merrill, (M. E ) 

1859 L. R. S. Brewster, (M. E.) 



1860-1 Geo. E. Chapman, (M. E.) 
18G2 John Noon, (xM. E.) 
1863 J. A. Kibbe, (M. E.) 
1868 A. Gardner, (Cong.) 

1872 H. E. Crocker, (M. E.) 

1873 J. A. DeForest, (M. E.) 

1874 Timothy Lyman, (Cong.) 



This list is defective, as tliere seem no records accessible. 



N. 



DEACONS OF THE CENTER CONGREGATIONALIST 

CHURCH. 



♦Jonathan Bartlett, (?) 
*Timothy Keyes, 
♦Jonathan Clough, (?) 
*David Lyon, 
*J()b Pease, 
*Steplien Jones, 
♦Benjamin Sikes, 
♦Oliver Dutton, 



Chosen. 

1824 ♦Joseph Miller, 
1824 *Ashbel Burr. 
1839 *Alva Sikes, 
1848 Elisha T. Parsons, 

1853 Oshea Walker, (left town 

1854 ♦George Booth, 
1866 Henry S. Jones, 
1866 George U. C'iaik. 

•Deceaseti. 

o. 



PARISH CLERKS, CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 
(Since the organization.) 
Theodore Sikes, 1835-6, 1842-5. B. F. Burr, 1865-8. 

Simeon Jones, 1837-41, 1S46-8. Edwin Booth, 1868-9. 

Chauncey L. Buell, 1849-50. Gillen D. Atchinsoii, 1870-2 

George Booth, 1851-64. J. (). Kend.ill, 1S7:'.-.J. 



TOWN OFFICERS. 



173 



P. 

MODEKATORS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 



Name. 
Closes Bliss, 
Jolin Hubbard, 
Joseph Miller, 
Jonatlian Eartlett, 
Joseph Hitclicock, 
Jeremiali Dutton, 
Abner Ilitclicock, 
Joshua Fuller, 
James Kendall, 
Joel Nash, 
Gideon IJeebe, 
Israel Warriner, 
John Jennings, 
Jonatlian Burr, 
Eli Putnam, 
Dr. Francis Percival, 
John Miller, 
Dr A J Miller, 
Elisha Fuller, 
Oliver Dutton, 
Benjamin Sikes, 
Jonathan Clough, 
Sherwood Beebe, 
William Pease, 
Ezekiel Fuller, 
Increase Sikes, 
Gad Lyon, 
Dr. Simpson Ellis, 
Joshua Fuller, 



The following have acted as Town Clerks ; 
Benajah Willey, 1774-5. 
Jeremiah Dutton, 1770-9. 
Dr. Aaron J. Miller, 1780-2 
Samuel Arnold, 1783-5, 1788. 
Elisha Fuller, 1786. 
Solomon L. Fuller, 1787. 
John Jennings, 178y-9'2. 17'J-l-5, 1798-9. 
Plynn Sikes, 1793, 1797. 
Increase Sikes, 1800-8. 
Ely Fuller, 1809-29, 1831. 



Times Served. 




Name. 


Times Served. 


1 




Noah Clark, 


G 


3 




Timothy Nash, 


13 


24 




Aslibel Burr, 


3 


8 




Theodore Sikes, 


4 


10 




Alvah Sikes, 


8 


3 




Alexander McLean, 


2 


1 




Paoli Lathrop, 


1 


3 




Dr. Elijah Caswell, 


1 


28 




E. T. Parsons, 


80 


22 




John Gates, 


2 


1 




Nathaniel Chapin, 


3 


U 




Henry Fuller, 


1 ■ 


18 




Col. John Miller, 


9 


13 




Dennis Knowlton, 


1 


7 




Eli M. Smith, 


15 


1 




John B. Alden, 


1 


1 




Jerre Miller, 


2 


4 




Dr. W. B. Alden, 


2 


1 




George Booth, 


3 


27 




William Ray, 


1 


1 




Alanson Pool, 


1 


2 




Dr. T. W. Lyman, 


1 


4 




Artemas H. Whitney, 


1 


28 




Henry Charles, 


1 ■ 


2 




Edmund Bliss, 


1 


1 




John P. Hubbard, 


3 


3 




Chauncey L. Buell, 


5 


2 

2 




Francis F. McLean, 


1 




\ 
Q 


', 




TOWN CLEEKS. 





Theodore Sikes, 1830, 183.3-5, 1839-41. 

Dr. Washington B. Alden, 1832, 183G-8. 

Samuel S. Bucklin, 1842. 

Dennis Knowlton, 1843-5. 

Maj. John P. Hubbard, 1845 53, 1856-61, 

1864. 
George Booth, 1855. 
Albert Fuller, 1862-3. 
(u-orge E. Root, 1865 
Benjamin F. Burr, 18C6. 



J71 



APPENDIX. 



Tho following have 
api)eiHie(i llie number 



Aaron Ferry, 


2 


Abner Sikes, 


P2 


Joseph Miller, 


() 


Joseph Hitchcock, 


2 


Joshua Fuller, 


1 


John Hubbard, Jr., 


2 


Ik'najah Willey, 


1 


Jonathan Barilett, 


2 


John Sikes, 


3 


Moses Wilder, 


1 


Timothy Keyes, 


2 


Jeremiah Dutton, 


1 


Joel Nash, 


G 


Israel Warinner, 


7 


James Kendall, 


2 


Samuel Arnold, 


1 


Isaac Brewer, 


1 


Jonathan Burr, 


9 


Samuel Frost, 


6 


Dr. Francis Percival, 


4 


Aaron Colton, 


3 


Ephraim Cliapin, 


2 


]?enjaniin Sikes, Jr., 


9 


Plynn Sikes, 


1 


Eli Putnam, 


1 


Lt. Joseph Munger, 


2 


Sherwood Beebe, 


6 


Job Pease, 


1 


Timothy Nash, 


14 


Jonathan Sikes, 


4 


Gad Lyon, 


2 


Ezekiel Fuller, 


1 


Gates Willey, 


7 


Joseph Miller, 


1 


Joslma Fuller, 


5 


Daniel Sprague, 


2 


Nathaniel Lyon, 


1 


Titus Hubbard, 


1 


Nathaniel Lyon, 


1 


Jame.s Shelilon, 


I 


Aslibel Burr, 


F! 


John Dorman, 


10 



K. 

SELECTMEN. 

been chosen to serve as the town fiithers. 
of years of service, so far as ascertained : 

Elias Frost, 
Asahel Kood, 
Gordon B. Miller, 
Theodore Sikes, 
Elain Wright, 
Cliestcr Sikes, 
Elijah Fuller, 
John Town, Jr , 
John Gates, 
William Pay, 
Waterman Fuller, 
Dan Hubbard, 
Daniel King, 
Artemas II. AVhitney, 
Edmund W. P'uller, 
John Miller, 
Elijah Plumley, 
David Lyon, 
Alva Sikes, 
Elisha T. Parsons, 
Jerre l^Iiller, 
Henry Fuller, 
Willis Keyes, 
Homer Lyon, 
Aaron Davis, 
Setii J. Bennett, 
Simeon Jones, 
Elijah G. Fuller, 
Benjamin Sikes, 
Gilbert E, Fuller, 
Roderick Collins, 
Jacob S. Eaton, 
F. F. McLean, 
Ilenry Cliarles, 
Joim P. Hubbaid 
Samuel White, 
Eli M. Smith, 
lieuben Sikes, 
John Kay, 
Chauncey L. Buell, 
David C. Jones, 



To the names is 

5 

3 

4 

1 

8 

1 

1 

7 
11 

3 

5 

1 
12 

2 

3 
2 
2 
2 
6 
3 
1 
1 
2 
1 



ASSESSORS. 



I') 



S. 

ASSESSORS. 



Tlie following liave servecl 


the town in 


the capacity- of Assessors, ei 


iich tiie num 


ber of years indicated : 








Joseph Jones, 


1 


Dr. Simpson Ellis, 


1 


John Hubbard, Jr., 


5 


Elias Frost, 


4 


Joseph Hitchcock, 


5 


James Sheldon, Jr., 


6 


Isaac Brewer, Jr., 


2 


Dr. Elijah Caswell, 


1 


Benajah Willey, 


2 


William Brainerd, 


« 


Joshua Fuller, 


1 


Ely Fuller, 


7 


Jonatiian Bartlett, 


1 


Theodore Sikes, 


y 


Jonathan Lombard, 


1 


Elijah Fuller, 


5 


John Sikes, 


5 


Alva Sikes, 


10 


Samuel Arnold, 


6 


John Moody, 


2 


Jeremiah Dutton, 


2 


Ira Stacy, 


1 


Oliver Chapin, 


1 


Nathaniel Chapin, 


6 


Ezekiel Fuller, 


2 


Sumner Chapin, 


1 


James Kendall, 


2 


Josepli Miller, 


1 


Joel Nasli, 


o 


Charles Alden, 


7 


Solomon L. Fuller, 


1 


Elihu Collins, 


1 


John Jennings, 


2 


Elisha T. Parsons, 


4 


Samuel Scranton, 


1 


Henry Fuller, 


3 


Ephraim Chapin, 


2 


Dr Washington B. Alden, 


8 


Plynn Sikes, 


7 


John Miller, 


3 


Gideon Beebe, 


1 


Alva Sikes, 


6 


David Lyon, 


2 


George Booth, 


7 


Aaron Colton, 


1 


Simeon Jone.s, 


3 


Jonathan Burr, 


2 


Dennis Knowlton, 


3 


Dr. Francis Percival, 


2 


Jerre Miller, 


6 


Gad Lyon, 


8 


John P. Hubbard, 


G 


Increase Sikes, 


6 


Eli M. Smith, 


1 


Timothy Nash, 


S 


Charles Bennett, 


2 


Peter Damon, 


1 


Dr. William B. Miller, 


1 


Joseph Miller, Jr , 


1 


Aaron Davis, 


3 


Dr. Aaron T. Miller, 


1 


Seth J. Bennett, 


1 


Samuel Frost, 


1 


William Ray, 


2 


Benjamin Sikes, 


2 


Elijah C. Eaton, 


4 


Eli Putnam, 


1 


Albert Fuller, 


8 


Sherwood Beebe, 


4 


Jeremiah Dutton, 


1 


Stephen Jones, 


2 


Lucien Cooley, 


• 1 


Jonathan Sikes, 


4 


Adin Whitney, 


G 


Oliver Dutton, 


2 


James W. Kendall, 


1 


Ezekiel Fuller, 


2 


Jacob S. Eaton, 


2 


Asa Pease, 


1 


Reuben Sikes, 


4 


Gates Willey, 


It 


Francis F. McLean, 


2 


Lemuel Keyes, 


13 


David K. Paine, 


3 


Joshua Fuller, 


8 


David C. Jones, 


2 


Calvin Sikes, 


] 


Henry S. Jone.'?, 


1 


Daniel Sprague, 


1 


Jere Dutton, 


1 



\ 



176 



APPENDIX. 



Jiickson Cadv, 
diaries S. Bennett, 
Davenport L. Fuller, 
Norman Lyon, 



Cliaries W. AUlen, 
Austin F. Nasli, 
Edward E. FuUfer, 





T. 






KEPRESENTATIVES TO 


THE 


GENERAL COURT, 


1784. 


Capt. Joseph Miller. 


1834. 


Theodore Sikes. 


1785. 


Capt. Joseph Miller. 


1835. 


Theodore Sikes. 


1787. 


John Jennings. 


1836. 


Theodore Sikes. 


1800. 


Elisha Fuller. 


1837. 


Joseph Bucklin. 


1801. 


Dr. Aaron J. Miller. 


1838. 


Joseph Bucklin. 


1802. 


Dr. Aaron J. Miller. 


1840. 


Dennis Knowlton. 


1806. 


Gad Lyon. 


1842. 


Dennis Knowlton. 


1807. 


Increase Sikes. 


1843. 


Dennis Knowlton. 


1808. 


Gad Lyon. 


1844. 


Dennis Knowlton. 


1809. 


John Jennings. 


1845. 


Artemas II. Whitney. 


1810. 


Gad Lyon. 


1846. 


Artenias II. Whitney. 


1811. 


Sherwood Beebe. 


1847. 


Artenia.* II. Whitney. 


1812. 


Ely Fuller. 


1848. 


Eli M. Smith. 


1813. 


Ely Fuller. 


1849. 


Alva Sikes. 


1814. 


Ely Fuller. 


1854. 


John P. Hubbard. 


1815. 


Ely Fuller. 


1H55. 


Jerre Miller. 


1827. 


Ely Fuller. 


185G. 


Elisha T. Parsons. 


1829. 


Rev. Alexander McLean. 


1857. 


Elisha T. Parsons. 


1830. 


Dr. A. J. Miller. 


1859. 


Albert Fuller. 


1831. 


Theodore Sikes. 


1862. 


Ilezekiah Root. 


1832. 


Theodore Sikes. 


1865. 


Jacob S. Eaton. 


1833. 


Theodore Sikes. 


1872. 


Reuben Sikes. 



SCHOOL COMMITTE 
Rev. E. 3. Wright, 
E. T. Parsons, 
Charles Alden, 
Joseph Miller, 2d, 
Rev. D. R. Austin, 
Rev. Salmon Hull, 
Harmon Booth, 
Dr. W. B. Alden, 
Alva Sikes, 
Nathaniel (Miapin, 
Abner Cady, 
George Booth, 
Kev. A. Sanderson, 
Albert Clark, 
Rev. J. \V. Dadmun, 
Dr. William B. Miller, 
Theodore Sikes, 
Rev. J. W. Tuck, 



V. 

E, WITH YEARS OF SERVICE. 

1 Dr. H. M. T. Smith, 1 

13 J. H. Wilcox, 1 

8 Gilbert Pillsbury, 12 

1 E. C. Eaton, 1 

2 Rev. Franklin Fisk, 1 

1 Dr. Robert Wood, 1 

2 Chauncey L. Buell, 1 1 
7 Rev. George Prentice, 1 
1 Warren 1). Fuller, 3 
1 George R. Clark, I 

1 Rev. W. J. Pom fret, 8 
18 J. Osman Kendall, 5 

2 Adin Whitney, 1 
1 Rev. A. Gardner, 1 
1 Rev. II. E. Crocker, 1 
5 Rev. C. L. Cushman, 1 
1 Rev. Alfred Noon, 1 
4 





1)K. AARON J. MILLER, 
The First Puvsiciax in the Town. (See page 1S5.) 



PROMINENT CHARACTERS. 



177 



V. 

GRADUATES. 

The following natives of Lmllow have received diplomas from insti- 
tutions of learning : — 

Jennie E. Banister (now Fuller), Wilbraliam Academy, 1862. 

Rev. Ephraini Cliapin, Williams College, 1814. 

Rev. Joel Cliapin, Dartmouth College. 

Sumner Bodfisli, West Point Military Academy. 

Lucinda Damon, Wilbraliam Academy. 

William A. Fuller, Wilbraliam Academy, 1867. 

Henry A. Hubbard, Union College, N. Y. 

Rev. Dargo B. Jones, Miami University, Ohio. 

Rev. Simeon Miller, Amherst College, 1840. 

Dr. William B. Miller. 

Matilda Munsing, Westfield Xorinal School 1871. 

Henrietta D. Parsons (now Howell), South Iladley Female Seminary. 

Julia T. Parsons (now Bodfish), South Hadley Female Seminary. 

Rev. Orin Sikes, Union College, Maine. 

John Stacy, Yale College. 

Elizabeth Swan, Westfield Normal School, 1871. 

Rev. Alvin E. Todd, Yale College, 1871. 

W. 

PHYSICIAjSTS. 



Aaron John Miller. (See Genealogies.) 
Francis Percival 
Benjamin Trask (1777). 

Wood. 

Simpson Ellis. 

David Lyon. [ard's daughter. 

Sylvester Nash, married Rev. Mr. Stew- 
Philip Lyon (1802). 

Taintor. 

Sutton. 

Munger. 

Hamilton. 



Estis Howes. 
Elijah Caswell. 
Washington B. Alden. 

Bassett. 

R. G. English. 
William B. Miller. 
Henry "SI. T. Smith. 

Smith. 

Robert AVood. 

King. 

Benjamin K. Johnson. 
Horace B. Miller. 



Benjamin Jenks. 
S. B. Stebbins. 
Jerre Miller. 
Walter Miller. 

Mrs. Susan A. Cliapin. 



X. 

POSTMASTERS. 

AT LUDLOW. 

Louis Harrington. 
Eli M. Smith. 
David Joy. 

AT LUULOW CENTER. 



ITS APPENDIX. 

Y. 

PRESENT TOWN OFFICERS. 

(Feurdaiiy, 1875.) 

Clerk and Treasurer. — Benjamin F. Burr. 

Selectmen. — Samuel White, Jolin Hay, David C. Jones. 

Assessors. — Edward F^. Fuller, Austin F. Nasli, Beuljen Sikes. 

School Committee — Third year, vacancy ; second year, J. Osnian Kendall ; first 
year. Rev. Alfred Noon. 

Road Comtnissioiiers. — Third year, Elijah Plumley ; second year, Samuel White ; 
first year, Silas Billings. 

Constable and Colkctor. — Charles S. Bennett. 

Jueld Drivers — Edmund W. Fuller, William H. Pease, Austin F. Nash, John 
Hohson, Oscar Wood, James W. Kendall, Adelbert L. Bennett, Edward Stewart, 
William II. Whitney, John Gates. 

Surveyors of Wood and Lumber — Philo A. Harris, D. L, Beckwith, Warien D. 
Fuller, Ashbel P. Cliapin, Elliott O. Alden, Henry I. Carver. 

Fence Vieweis. — Lucius Simonds, James W. Kendall, Elijah Plumley, Alexander 
Whitney. 

Special Constables. — Charles W. Alden, Alanson Pool, Elihu J. Sikes, Edmund 
W. Bliss, A. P. Chapin, Justus B. Alden, Albert Fuller. 

Sealer of Weights and Measures. — Warren D. Fuller. 

Public Weigher. — David Joy. 

Tithing-Men. — John Hobson, Jr., Reuben Sikes, Cyril A. Soutlnvorth. 

Z. 

FEATS OF STRENGTH. 

Dexter Lyon, Homer Lyon, David Lyon, Selali Kendall, Isaac 
Sheldon and others were associated together at one time. A gentle- 
man who was visiting at Dr. Alden's was introduced as a celebrated 
wrestler. A ring was quicldy formed, and David Lyon, one of the 
smallest men, was appointed to try his hand with the champion, and 
also that others might learn his methods. When they were readj'^ to 
take hold the stranger said to Dr. Alden, "You go the other side of 
the house and see where he strikes." But instead of sending David 
to the other side of the house the champion found himself lying upon 
his back. Picking himself up he wanted to take hold again. David 
said to him: "You acknowledge you were fairl}^ thrown, don't you?"' 
"0 yes," said he. "Well," re2)lied David, "it is no object for nie to 
take hold of a man wlinm I can throw as easily as I can you." 

Titus ]-*omoroy, a .'Somewhat noted wrestler, claimed to throw every- 
body about South Hadley Falls. Finally A^'illiam Miller, son of Dr. 
A. J. Miller, was persuaded to go over and try his hand with him. 
AVhen Miller was introduced, Pomcroy said: " Is that the man you 



FEATS OF STREXGTn EPITAPHS. 



179 



have brought to wrestle with me ? I could eat him up in a minute." 
They took hold. Pomeroy gave him a twitch and swung Miller around 
behind him. Miller, however, was all ready for him, and tripped both 
feet from under him, so that he came down in a very unexpected man- 
ner. Pomeroy said, as he shook off the dust, " I didn't think that 
little rascal could throw me." 

Titus Hubbard once met a man who claimed a position in the road 
which was not fairly his, and without ceremony took up the offender 
bodily and set him aside. Reuben Sikes is said to have repeatedly 
lifted one end of a very hea^-y sled-load of green hickory wood. 

When Elijah Plumley was a young man he carried upon his shoul- 
der fifty-two quarts, full measure, of the heaviest rock-salt, a mile and 
a half without resting, and then turned and proposed to those who 
had wonderingly accompanied him, to return with it before he rested. 

I 



A A. 

EPITAPHS. 



[From old Center yard.] 



This Stone is erected 

to the memory of a son 

and a Daughter of Cap' 

Joseph and M'■^ Mary 

Miller (viz) Wilder, who 

died Oct 13 1786 in the 5 

year of his age. 

And Joanna who died Dec 

10, 1787, in the 3 year of her age. 



When death receives the dire command 
None can elude or ftay his hand 
Nor can a hope or beauty fave 
From the dire conquest of the grave. 



[From North yard. 

In memory 

of M'= Sarah 

wife of j\l'' 

Timothy Root 

who died 

Mar 3 

1785 in 

her 44 year 

.'\lso 

an Infant bury 

-ed by her 

side 



180 



APPENDIX. 





[From East yard.] 
i 

Mr. David Paine 




[From North yard.] 


Departed this 


In memory of Lieut 


Life July 2"<^ 


JOHN SIKES who died 


1807 (i^y a cart 


July 27, 1807 in the 


wheel r u n i n g a c r f s 


60 year of his age. 


his breast: he expired 


Friends nor pliyficians 

could not hve 
Tliis mortal body from the grave 
Nor can the grave confine it here 
When Chrifl commands it to appear. 


instantly) Mt 70 

He was a friend 
to Religion & 




,Piety. 




Return my friends without a tear 
Devote your hves unto God's fear: 
That you with him may always live 
This is the last advice 1 give. 


[From North yard.] 




In memory of 


[ From East yard.] 


M^^ Hannah Sikes 


In 


the wife of 




M"" Benjamin Sikes 


memory of 


who died Ap"" 17 : 1790 


NICHOLAS DANIELS 


Aged 84 years 


who died 


Life is uncertain 
Death is fure 

Sin is the wonnd 
& Chrift the cure 


April 26, 1827 
/Et. 65 



EPITAPHS. 



181 



[From East yard.] 

Mrs 

Mahitable 

wife of 
Rev Ephraim Scott 

died 
May 25 1 83 1 

There is rest in heaven. 



[From old Center yard.] 



In Memory of Chester 
the Son of M^ Asa & M^^ 
Sarah Dodge who Died 
Sept™ 11'^' 1805, aged 3 
years 4 Months & 18 days 



With disentery 6^ with worvis 
God did Death licence give 
To take iny pi-escioiis Soul azoay 
And/ay I/hould not live. 



[From old Center yard.] 

In memory of Mr. 

Cyprian and Mrs. 

Lucy Wright 

who died as follows 

viz. She died 

August 22"^ 1794 

in the 37th year 

of her age 

he died Jan 7th 

1779 in the 4 5th 

year of his age. 



Kind reader, when these lines you see 
Think how uncertain life may be : 

We once had life & health like you 
But now have bid the world adieu. 



[From old Center yard.] 

In memory of 
Doc'' Philip Lyon 

who died July 26 

1802 aged 40 years 

Who after having 

experienced the 

sweets of connubial 

bliss died leaving no 

family, his amiable 
consort died at Ran- 
dolph Oct iSoi. 



182 



APPENDIX. 



[Krom old Center yard.] 



Sacred to the 

memory of Cap' 

Joseph Miller, 

who departed this 

life at West Spring 

field April 3 1803 

Aged 79 years. 



Praifes on tombs are 
titles vainly spent, 

A mans Rood name is 
his bell monument. 



[From old Center yard.] 

SACRED TO THE MEMO 
RY of Mr^ Mary wife of 
Mr Leonard Miller who died 
in Childbed June 6''' 1790 
in the 38''' year of her age 

Befidcs a birth and flie left 8 fniall 

te 
Children to mourn her untimely fix 



[From old Center yard.] 

In memory of 

Mr Gad Lyon 

who died 

Dec 26, I 8 I 5 
aged 47 years.; 



Depart my friends 
dry up your tears 

Here I must lie 
till Christ appears. 



[From North yard.] 

In memory of 

M"" Anna y wife 

of M"" John Sikes 
who died June 9 
1772 in y 2^'^ Year 
of her Age 



Boaft not thyself 
of tomorrow for 
thou knoweft not 
what a day may 
brinz forth. 



EriTAnis. 



183 



From North yard] 

In memory of 

M"" Abner Sikes 

who died 
Jun 24''' 1 80c 

in tlie 70 year 

of his asre 



Our age to Sevnty 
years are set 

& not but few who 
to them sjet 



[From North yard] 

In Memory of 

M^^ Mary Sikes 

wife of 

M-- Abner Sikes 

who died 

March 10"^ 181 8 

85 years 



by faith in Christ 
I left this Stage 



[From North yard.] 

Submit dau'^ of M'' 
Reuben & M""^ Mary 

Chapin was born 

July J'' 1774 & died 

Oct i6th 1776 

Merick Son of 

above N a m"^ Chapin 

died at Fiflikill a e 

16 22 Jan 1778 aged 

16 Years 



[From North yard.] 

In Memory of 

Miss Sarah Sikes 

daughter of 

Lieu' John Sikes & 

Mrs Sarah his 2^^ 
wife who died Sep' 

19'h 1806 aged 20 

\ 

vears ' . . 



The longest life must have 

an end 
Therefore beware how 

time you spend 



184 



ArPEXDIX. 



[From Noilh yard.] 

In Memory of 

M^ Benjamin Sikes 

who died 

Auguft 2^ 1 78 1 

Aged 77 years 



Death is a debt 
To nature due 

Which I have paid 
& fo muft you. 



[From North yard.] 

In memory of 

M'^ Beriaii Jennings 

wlio died May 12th 1776 
in the 45 year of his Age. 



Beriah Jennings Ju^ 

fon of 

Beriah & Eunice Jennings 

who died Dec Sth 1775 

in the 22 year of his age. 



Blessed are tlie dead 
which die in the Lord. 



BB. 

GENEALOGIES. 

CriAPIN. — Dea. Samuel Ciiapin, first of name in this country ; oldest son, Ja- 
phet ; Japhet's third child, Thomas (b. May 10, 1G71, d. August 27, 1755,) married 
Sarah Wright; 11 children; fourth, named Shem Cliapin (son of Thomas and 
Sarah), b. February o, 1702, m. pub. December 4, 1752, to Anna Clark of Uxbridge, 
a widow. Shem resided in Ludlow, Mass., and d. there. IMrs. Ann§ Chapin died 
in Iladley, ajt. 101 y.8 m. Children — Esther, b. June 17, 1754; Job, b. September 
19, 1758 ; Joel, b. January 13, 1761. 

Job Ciiapin (son of Shem and Anna) was m. January 25, 1790, to Abiah Gil- 
ligan of Ludlow (see South Hadley records). Cliildren — Azuba, m. Dea. Colton 
of Ludlow; had three or four children ; Sybel married first Mr. Cox, had one 
cliild, and m. second Dea. Root of Greenwich, no children ; Aaron, b. March 21, 
1781. 

Joel Ciiavin (son of Shem and Anna), m. pub. Nov, 10, 1789. to Eunice Lucre- 
tia, daughter of Dea. Ed w'l. Chapin of Ciiicopee. Had three children. "Rev. 
Joel Chapin died in Bainhridge, N. Y., in 1845, re 84. A soldier in the Revolution ; 
tiicn a graduate of Dartmouth College in 1791. He settled as a minister in the 
wilderness, on the Susquehannah, and was faithful as a minister of the gospel " 
Taken from New Yo>lc Observer of March 27, 1851. 

Shem Ciiapin was in the tinrd generation of Chapins in this country. 

SIKES.— Ben.jamin Sikes (1st), d. wt. 77. Children— Benjamin (2d), Abner, 
Joiin, also four daughters. 



GENEALOGIES. 185 

Benjamin Sikes {2d), had cliildren — Benjamin (3d), Jonathan, Silas, Ithamar, 
Polly, Margaret, Lucy, Tabitha, Sally, Dolly. 

Benjamin Sucks (3d), b. 1762, d. 1850. Had cliildren— Catherine, b. 1788 ; 
Amanda, b. 1790 ; Theodore, b. 1792 ; Lucy, b. 1791 ; Polly, b. 1797 ; Benjamin 
(4th), b. 1799 ; Adaline, b. 1803 ; Margaret, b. 1805 ; Otis, b. 1807 ; Quartus, b. 1810. 

Abn'ek Sikes had Abner, Increase, Plin\', Mercy, Experience, Lois. 

Jonathan Sikes, b. 17G5, had Chester, b. 1789 ; Vila, b. 1792; Silas, b, 1791; 
Alva, b. 1796; Increase, b. 1798; Sally, b. 1800; Mary, b. 1802; Oren, b. 1805; 
infant dau. b. 1807; Keuben, b. 1808; Jonathan, b. 1811; Cyrene, b. 1814; infant 
dau. b. 181G. 

Increase Sikes, b. abt. 17G0. Had Abner, b. 1805; Lusina, b. 1807; Pamelia, 
b. 1809; Sophia, b. 1812; William, b. 1814; Sophia, b. 181G; Wealthy, b. 1820. 

Pliny Sikes had four children — Zenas, b. 1791 ; Orrin, b. 1792; Arua, b. 1795; 
Lucinda, b 1796. 

John Sikes, b. 1748, d. 1807. Had ten children— Anna, b. 1772, d. 1776 ; Calvin, 
b. 1779; Anna, b. 1781; Clarissa, b. 1782; John, b. 1784; Sarah, b. 1786; Azuba, 
b. 1788; Elihu, b. 1790; Hannah, b. 1792; Electa, b. 1794. 

Calvin Sikes, b. 1779. Had four children— Calvin, b. 1805 ; Edward, b. 1808; 
Joshua, b. 1811 ; Nancy, b. 1818. 

John Sikes, b. 1784. Had seven children, who all left town — Sarah, b. 1808; 
Caroline, b. 1810; Joseph, b. 1812; Tryphenia, b. 1813; Clarissa, b. 1821; Nancy, 
b. 1825; Harriet, b. 1829. 

MILLEli — Ancestry traced back to period of King Philip's war, Thomas M. be- 
ing killed by the Indians in defense of Springfield, October G, 1G75. Solomon, his 
grandson, d. August 20, 17G0, aet. 30 years. 

Capt. Joseph Miller, b. 1698, d. April 5, 17G0. 

Joseph, son of Capt, J. and Mary Miller, b. May, 1724, d. April 8, 1803; m. 
Catherine Ferry. Had children, Aaron John, b. January 11, 1750, Sybil, b. 1747. 
m. Isaac Brewer, d. 1834 ; Leonard, b. 1752 d. 1828 ; ilartha, m. Levi Bliss ; JMoses, 
d. young; Joseph, b. September 1, 1756, d. April 1, 1829; Catherine, d. young; 
George, b, 1759, d. 1829; Catherine, b. 1764, d. 1852, m. Benj. Sikes; Polly, b. 
1766, d. 1855, m. Moses Wood; Margaret, b. 1768, d. 1820. 

Aaron John Miller, a physician and surgeon in Revolutionary War, m. Esther 
Burr; d. at Ludlow, November 4, 1838. AVas a member of State Legislature. The 
following quotation from Palmer Journal illustrates the man: — " The first physi- 
cian in Ludlow was Dr. Aaron John Miller. He was a very tidy sort of man, dis- 
tinguished for wearing the highest-priced black broadcloth he could find, and always 
eating molasses instead of butter on his bread, drinking clear tea and a very 
little old New England, never any water. lie was a rapid talker, made his fever 
powders of camphor-gum and loaf-sugar, and was never known to hurt his patients 
with his medicines. He usually walked on his visits to patients, always accom- 
panied by his little yellow dog. He was intolerant of others' opinions, and empha- 
sized his own with frequent thrusts of his cane." The following acrostic, written 
by him, was found among the papers of his son, the late Gordon B. Miller : — 
" Great chief, Columbia venerates thy name, 
Europe with awe proclaims thy deathless fame ; 
On Asia's plains, where priests adore the sun, 
Eajahs and nabobs own great Washington ; 
Grim Alric's sons, who war eternal wage, 
Earth's savage nations all revere our sage. 
24 



186 APPENDIX. 

Wliere Pliiladelphia graces yonder plains, 
Adorned witli laurel our loved hero reitins ; 
Serene lie guides the helm of every State; 
His skill in war and politics complete. 
Illustrious statesman ! thou in virtue's cause 
Now deign'st to sit. the guardian of our laws ; 
Graced with the lovely olive branch of peace, 
Thy praise, O Washington, shall never cease ! 
On thee this western world have turned their eyes, 
« Ne'er to revert them till thou mount the skies." 

From a piece of his entitled " Summer Evening Song of Connecticut Kiver," are 
culled the following stanzas : — 

" Flow on, loved Connecticut, majestic and slow, 
And mingle thy waters with ocean below ; 
The god of the sea with his brine-dripping bride 
Exulting beholds thee still swelling his tide. 

" The sun has gone down and the star of the west 
Is spreading delighted his beams on thy breast. 
While meek Lima, adorned with aspect serene, 
To grace with her graces the beautiful scene. 

" I was born near thy marge in the year 'forty-nine. 
And love thee, still love thee and call thee divine ; 
Not Ganges, nor Avon, nor Egypt's famed Nile, 
Could ever so sweetly my cares all beguile." 

His " Epitaph on Little Bute," a favorite dog of his, is of a different character: — 

" Hard was the fate of little Bute ; 
With hungry wolves he did dispute ; 
Amid the strife of battle din 
deceived a grip beneath the chin. 

"Adieu my brother of the dust! 

Those savage whelps are doubly cursed ; 
With horrid shriek and doleful yell 
I hear them howling now in Hell.'* 

Children of A.vrox Joiix and Esther Miller — Betsey Elizabeth, b. February 
3, 1782, d. September 24, 1872, m. Asa Earned ; Asenath, b. June 3, 1784, d. 
August 4, 1850; Aaron J., Jr., b. April 22, 1787, d. Janrfary 12, 1866, m. Tlieodo- 
sia Parsons; Gordon Bliss, b. September 7, 1789, d. .July 3, 1874; William Abe- 
lard, b. July 30, 1797, ni. Nancy Burr; Mary Eloise, b. ^799, d. 1842, m. Harvey 
Moody. 

Leonard Miller, son of Capt. Joseph Miller, m. Mary Sikes and Sarah Kellogg. 
Had children — Moses, Catherine, Orris, Ithamar, Polly, Sila, Joseph, Leonard, Susan. 

Moses, b. 1778, d. 1855, m. Lucy .Tones. 

Catherine, b. 1780, d. 1854, m. Jonathan Dan. 



•A solitary and gloomy swamp thus named, where the wolves used to gather In the night 
and howl. 



GENEALOGIES. 187 

Orris, b. 17B1, m. Willard Munsell. 

Ithamar, b. 1783, m. liacbel Akers. 

Polly b. 1784, d. 1824, ni. Elijah Fuller. 

Si LA, b. 1785, d. 1859, m. Amos Kendall. 

Joseph, b. 1787, d. 1871, m, Martha Walker. 

Leonard, b. 1788. 

ScsAN, b. 1790, d. 1872, m. Amos Putnam. 

Joseph Miller, b. September 1, 1756, m. Mary Wilder, d. April 1, 1829. Had 
children— Sylvester, b. December 27, 1783, m. Charlotte Little; Joanna, b. Septem- 
ber 5, 1785, burnt in a barn, 1787 ; Joseph, Jr., b. November 28, 1787, m. Dolly 
Miller, and Electa Barton ; Daniel, b. October 30, 1789, m. Pamelia Jones and 
Lucy Smith, d. 1870; Charlotte, b. November 14, 1791, m. Zenas Parsons, d. 1839; 
John, b. October 26, 1793, m. Lucinda Barton ; Maria, b. May 7, 1796, m. Gordon B. 
Wood ; Polly, b. March 23, 1798, m. Zebina Miller. 

Ithamar, son of Leonard Miller, had children, Charles L., Albert, Harriet, Eliza, 
Henry. 

OBITUARY.' 

Hon. Charles L. TMiller, wlio dropped dead in tlie Capitol at "Wasiiington, on the 3d of Jan- 
uary, was born in Boston in 1808. but moved to LuiHow when about four years of age. Ilis 
fatlier was Ithamar Miller, a native of Ludlow and brother of Dea. Joseph Miller of tliat 
town, and lived on the farm wliere Dainel Brewer now lives. Removing from Ludlow when 
Charles was fifteen years of age, the family settled in the State of New York, but subse- 
quently moved to Constantine. St. Joseiih C<)uiity, Mich., where he became a merchant, town 
clerk, postmaster, and was afterwards elected clerk of the Senate. In IS14 he removed to 
Colon, anil carried on successfully the business of general merchandise. He was elected rep- 
resentative to the legislature in 1853 and 1854:. and in 1S5G he was elected Judge of Probate 
and served four years. In 1860, by invitation of Senator Chandler, he took the place of clerk 
of the United States Senate Committee on Commerce, and during every session since he lias 
been at his post, drawing the text of all the iiniiortant bills of that Committee. With impaired 
health he returned to Washington at the beginning of the session, and was at his duties daily. 
In fifteen minutes after entering the Capitol, on the morning of tlie 3d, he was found lifeless. 

Senator Chandler says of him : He was one of the purest and truest men I have ever met 
in my life, .lie was universally beloved, and the removal of such a man as Judge .Miller seems 
to be a public calamity. 

George Miller, son of Joseph and Catherine, m. Esther Cleveland, Eunice 
Parsons, Mary Lyman. Had children, Seth, Dolly, Zebina, Almira, Esther, Esther 
2d, George, Lyman, Edwin, Edwin 2d, 

Seth, b. 1790; left town. 

Dolly, b. 1792, d. 1856, ra. Abner Beebe. 

Zebina, b. 1794, d. 1867, m. Polly Miller. 

Almira, b. 1796, d. 1859, m. Asahel Bartlett. 

Esther, b 1797, d. 1798. 

Esther, b. 1799, m. Henry Fuller. 

George, b. 1801, m. Mary Ann Burgess. 

Lyman, b. 1804, d. 1867, m. Hannah Stocking. 

Edwin, b. 1807, d. same year. 

Edavin, b. 1817. 

BREWER. — Isaac Brewer m. Sybil Miller of Ludlow abt. 1750, came to Lud- 
low three years later and settled on the bank of the Chicopee River, at the Law- 
rence place, had children — Isaac, Daniel, Pliny, Polly, Catherine, Betsey, Chauncey, 
Abigail, Isaac, Lyman, Clarissa. 

Isaac, d. in infancy. 

Daniel, d. at age of 17, served against Shay's Rebellion. 

Pliny, m. Lois Stebbins of Springfield and settled iu Norwich, Conn. 

Polly, m. Joshua Fuller of Ludlow. 



188 APPENDIX. 

rATiiF.niNE, m. Walter Stel)bins of Springfield. 

Betsey, m. Jerre Snow of Springfield. 

CiiAUNCET, m. Lucena Mandeville of Granljy and settled in Ludlow. 

AniGAiL, ni. John Sniilli of South Hadiey. 

Isaac, ni. Catherine Fo.x of lirookl^n, L. I. 

Lyman, ni. Harriet Tj-Ier of Norwich, Conn., settled there. 

Clarissa, m. Zenas Lawrence of Ludlow. 

The first Isaac Brewer d. at 47, leaving ten children, the eleventh heing born 
after his death. The widow held the farm, paying off the large amount of debts 
and giving her son riiny a collegiate education. — All the Brewers now in town are 
descendants of Chauncey, 

FULLER. — For most of these data we are indebted to Benjamin Fuller of 
Springfield. 

The first of whom there is record was Youso Fui.eer, who accompanied his son 
Jo.shua from Ellington, Conn., to Ludlow. 

Joshua Fueeer, b. September 9, 1830, m, IMarcy Lathrop of Tolland, Conn., d. 
in 1810. She d. in 1828, aet. 02. Had children— Elisha, Solomon L., Ezekiel, 
Sarah, Lydia, Benjamin, Olive. 

Klisha, the first, d. last, aged 96, m. Rebecca Waterman and Sarah Cleveland. 
Had two wives. Had children, John, Joshua, (removed from town,) Susan, (m. 
Dr. Munger,) Isaac, (removed to Soniers,) Ely, Joel, Asenath, (m. Asaliel Rood,) 
Samuel, Martha, (m. Henry Starkie,) Waterman, Henry Seymour, Rebecca, (m. 
Jared Carver,) Zera. 

John, m. Colton and Capen. Had children, Walter, m. Eunice 

Gleason ; Norman, m. Elvira Wright; Edmund W., m. Elvira Capen; Orra, m. 
Justin Lombard; infant child; Lodisa, ni. Abijah Capen; P. D wight, m. Caroline 
Olds ; Marcia, m. 1). K. Paine. 

Eey, m. Jerusha Little. Had children — Elisha A., m. Polly Fuller; Merrick, m. 
Catherine Bli.ss ; Eliza, m. Lucius Ferry; Caroline, m. Daniel Warner; Viennc, 

m. Francis McLean and Benning Leavitt; Emily, m. Sanderson; Charlotte, 

m. Chester Graves; Martha, Jane, m. Lockhart Howard. 

JoEE, m. Phebe Jones. Had children, Estus, Sarah, m. Rufus Billings, Levi. 

Samuel, m. Warner. Had children, Adaline, James, Samuel and four others. 

Waterman, m. Sarah Abercrombie. Had children, Martha, m. Jerre Dutton, 
George, Charles, William H. 

Henry S., m. Esther Miller and Mary Aldcn. Had children — Esther, Sarah, m. 
Levi Collins ; IVLary, ni. Henry Collins; Henrietta, m. Edwin Cliapin ; Olivette, m. 
Henry Frost; Henry, died young; Edward E., m. Jane D. Prentice; Emma, m. 
Henry Ilard^' ; Henry, m. Lizzie Munsing ; Frank, m. Jennie Webster and Anna 
Mears ; Fannie, Lily, Hattie. 

Zera, m. Caroline Wright. Had children — Otis, m. Eliza Braman ; Caroline, 
m. Joseph Ilinman; Sarah Ann, m. Allen Seymour; Ellen, m. George Carver. 

Solomon L. settled and d. in Somers, Conn. 

Ezekiel settled and d, in Ludlow, m. Mary . Had children— Marania, b. 

1782; Elijah, b. 1784 ; Rachel, b. 178(5, m. Sylvester Clark ; Polly, b. 1789; Mercy, 
b. 1792; Ezekiel, b. 1794; Lyman, b. 179G; Franklin, b. 1799. 

Elijah, had children — Polly, m Elisha A. Fuller; Electa, m. Potter ; Catherine, 
m. Atchinson ; Gilbert C, m. Harriet. 

Ezekiel, had children — Albert, m. Violate Miller; Edmund, m Lyon; Daven- 
port L., ni. Susanna McClentick and Maria Charles; Henry. 



GENEALOGIES. 189 

I.TMAx, had children— Eliza, Lathrop, m. Joanna Wood; Cornelia, m. Gilbert 
C. Fuller. 

Sarah, m. Benjamin Chapin of Chicopee and Samuel Chapman of Ellington, 
Conn., d. at 64. 

LvDiA, m. David Barton of Granby, settled in what was then called "Whites- 
town, N. Y. He died at 87 y. 2 m. His wife died next day at 84 y. 5 m. Both 
buried in one grave, at Clinton, N. Y. 

Benjamin, settled at Monson, April, 1795. Soon after, his father and mother 
went to live with him, both died there, aged 75 and 80. 

Olive, m. Wihiani McKinney of Ellington, Conn., d. at Stafford, Conn., at 75. 

Tlie family was rather noted for longevity. Joshua d. at 80, his wife at 02, 
Flisha at 0(5, Solomon L. at 80 or over, Ezekiel at 80, Sarah at 64, Lydia at 84, Benja- 
min at 75, Olive at 75. Ten of the 49 granduhiklren are living, some of whom are 
over 80. 

Joshua lived on the Dorman farm. While his father. Young Fuller, la}' dead, one 
Sunday morning, the liouse caught fire and burned to the ground, necessitating the 
removal of the corpse to the orchard. 

Elisha Fuller was a noted wag. He would perpetrate a joke at any expense. 
Every one has heard of his story about the pins, which he offered for sale from his 
store with the assurance that the pin-maUer was dead and there was no further 
chance to buy. Taking up a pair of spectacles once at the Town-house to try them, 
lie averred he could see a hawk on Wilbraham mountain. Nor would he listen to 
one word of disparagement of Ludlow. Some one remarking concerning the pov- 
erty of her soil, he declared that a traveler once lost his horse near the Center, and 
finding him in a field of corn, was obliged to clear a passage through the stalks 
with an axe. He once told the wondering auditors that he drove his horse at the 
time of a shower so fast that he himself kept ahead of the rain, while his dog swam 
just behind the wagon for a long distance. 

HUBBARD. — Elisha Hurbard ra. Mary , came to Ludlow about 

1740 (?), d. at 72. Had children — llussell, Titus, Luther, Lowell, Judah, Anstis, 
Calvin, (left town,) Bernice. 

BnssELL, m. Olive. Had children — Lovina, Warren, Asahel, Harvey, Ann, Dan, 
Jemima, Susan. 

Titus, m. Phebe . Had children — Harr^', b. 1797 ; Calvin, b. 1798 ; Lowell, 

b. 1801 ; Elisha, b. 1804; Israel Newton, b. 1808; John P.. b. 1813; Lovina, b. 1818. 

John HunnARD, Jr. (brother of first Elisha), ni. Anna . Had children — 

Bachel,b. 1762; John, b. 1704; Asa, b. 1769; Anna, b. 1770; Ira, b. 1772 ; Martha, 
b. 1774; Charles, b. 1777; Ethan, b. 1779. 

KENDALL — Ensign Jasies Kendall m. Jerusha . He died March 

9, 1820, at 74. Shed. October 24, 1836, at 90. Had children— Chapman, Reuel, 
James, Selah, Amos, Via, Sally, Jerusha. 

Chapman, had children — Daniel and Mosely. 

Reuel, had children — John, .James. 

James, had children — Levi, Reuben, James. 

Selah, had children — J. Munroe, William. 

Amos, d. June 19, 1836, at 50, m. Sila, who d. September 18, 1859, at 73, liad 
children — Carlo M., Caroline, Eliza, Salome, James W., Henry Burt, William W., 
Horace, Jeruslia, Delia. 

Via, d. young. 



190 ArPEXDix. 

Sally, ni. Moses Rood. 
Jkeusha, m. Aaron Carver. 

BUUR. — Jonathan Burr came to Ludlow from Ellington, Conn., about 17G8, b. 
1740, il. 1807, ni. Priscilla Freeman. Had eliildreo — Xoadiah, b. 17G4 ; Tiniotliy, 
b. 17tJ7; Jonathan, b. 1709 ; Freeman, b. 1771 ; Ansel, b. 1773; Ashbel, b. 1770; 
Sally, b. 1770 ; Polly, b. 1782 ; Eli, b. 1784 ; Betsey, b. 1787. 

Timothy m. Hannah Graham. Had children — Billy Graham, b. 1700; Hannah, 
b. 1702; Betsey, b. 1704 ; Charles, b. 1707; Halsey, Hart, Barton, Almira. 

Jonathan m. Mindwell Chapin. Had children — Ashbel, b. 1700; Estes, b. 
1801; Polly, b. 1803. 

Frekman m. Mary Goodell. Had children — Matilda, b. 1700 ; Maria, Solomon, 
Freeman, Columbus, I51mina, Julena. 

Ansel m. Anna Pinney. Had children — Emily, Anna, Ansel, Eli. 

Ashhel m. Clarissa Hikes. Had children — Lyman, b. 1805; Abigail, b. 1808. 

Eli m. Cynthia Burchard. 

RARBEK. — EnENEZER Barrkr, a town officer first in 1777, lived, raised bis 
family and d. on place now owned by David L. Atchinson. Was totally blind many 
years before his death. His wife was insane for a number of years. Had children 
— Ebenezer, Lewis, David, Abigail, Anna, Tirzah. 

Ebenezer, lived on old place. 

Lewis, lived on Dea. Parsons' place. 

David, Abner and John lived in Vermont. 

Abigail, m. Zerah Chapin of Cliicopce, mother of Sophia Moody, now SOye<ars old. 

Anna, m. Zelotes Parsons, lived and d. in Wilbraham. 

Tirzah, b. July 7, 1776. 

Ebenezer, m. Lovicy Bartlett of Wilbraham, July 20, 1784. Had children — 
Lovicy, m.. Rebecca , had children — Ira, Joel, Warren, Eli, HoUis. 

Ira was father of the present Hollis. 

ROOT. — Timothy Root, b. 1740 in Somers, Conn., m. Sarah Bartlett and rem. to 
Ludlow abt. 1770. She d. 1785. Had children — Timothy. William, Sally, Nancy, 
Flavia, Amy and Pliny; m Dorothy Shumway and d. Nov. 22, 1822. Had chil- 
dren — Sophia, Amos, Dorothy, Polly, Parmelia, Elizabeth and Cynthia. Decem- 
ber 2, 1822, his real estate was valued at $2,075 and personal property at §300, large 
for the times. 

Timothy', d. in infancy. 

William, in. Eunice Sheldon, and settled in Granby, Muss. 

Sally, d. in Ludlow unm., aet. 80. 

Nancy, m. William Snow and settled in Granby, Mass. 

Flavia, m. Gains Taylor and settled in South Hadley. 

Pliny, m Ruth Cleaveland of Palmer, rem. to Steuben Co., N. Y, and then to 
Jackson, Mich. 

SoriiiA, m. Nathaniel Lyon and settled in Ludlow. 

Amos, m. Mary of Richmond, Va., and settled there. Served in the war 

of 1812. 

Dorothy, ni. John Gates of Ludlow. 

Mary, m. Gaius Clough, lived in Franklin, N. Y., and Chicopee. 

Parmklia m. Otis Horr of Ludlow, and Warren Squires. 

Elizabeth, m. William Clark and lived in Hubbardston and Ludlow. 



GENEALOGIES. 191 

Ctsthia, m. George Clark of Ludlow. 

There are eleven descendants of these fourteen children now livintr in Ludlow, 
among wliom are John Gates, George K. Clark and Mrs. Maria C. Clark Burr. 

LYON. — Dea. David Ltov, b. 1735, d. 1804, came from Woodstock, Conn., 
1770, m. Eunice StebV)ins, 1764. Children— Eunice, b. 17G6, d. 1804 ; Gad, b. Feb- 
ruary 28, 1769, d. December 26, 1815; Nathaniel, b. January 24, 1772, d. February 
11, 1839 ; Stephen, b. 1775, d. December 23, 1837. 

Eunice m. James Sheldon. 

G.\D m. Jerusha Kendall, March 13, 1794. Had children — David, Dexter, Ho- 
mer, Homer, 2d, Helena. 

David, b. January 15, 1795, m, Fannie Wright. 

Dexter, b. October 3, 1796. m. Sila Taylor, d. December 14, 1839. 

HoMKR, b. December 12, 1798, d. December 14, 1798, 

HoMKR, 2d, b. January 13. 1800, m. Maria Taylor. 

Helena, b. January 10, 1803, d. April 28, 1829. 

Nathaniel, m Hannah Kendall, December 31, 1804. Had children — Norman, 
a son, Hannah, Sophia, Norman, Olive, Albert, David. 

Norman, b. February 3, 1806, d. November 28, 1808. 

A SON, b. August 5, 1808, d. August 5, 1808. 

Nathaniel m. Sophia Root, May 8, 1814. Had children. 

Hannah, b. February 25, 1815, m. Urbane Carver, d. May 8, 1856. 

Sophia, b. IMarch 11, 1817, m. George Taylor. 

Norman, b. December 12, 1818, m. Lydia Cooley. 

Olive, b. January 28, 1821, d. November, 1839. 

Albert, b. Augusts, 1825, d. April 11, 1858. 

David, b. September 21, 1827, m. Jane Slate. 

Stephen, m. Patience Wright, January 22, 1799. Had children — Lucj', Solon, 
Eunice, Ruth, Esther, Ephraim, Gad, Mary, Dexter, Sarah, Josiah, Caroline. 

Lucr, b. November 22, 1800, m. Cleveland. 

Solon, b. August 22, 1802, d. 1873. 

Ednice, b. June 8, 1804, m. Hilliard. 

Roth, b. June 10, 1806, d. September 3, 1858. 

Esther, b. September 26, 1808, m. Barrett. 

Ephraim, b. January 21, 1811. 

Gad, b. April 21, 1813. d. December 9, 1849. 

Mary, b. July 13, 1815. 

Dexter, b. May 10, 1817. 

Sarah, b. April 24, 1819, m. Swart. 

Josiah, b. August 3, 1820, d. May 11, 1822. 

Caroline, b. April 23, 1823, d. January 5, 1859. 

David Lyon is said to have been the first deacon of the Congregational Church 
after the town was set off from Springfield. Dr. Philip Lyon, supposed to be a 
brother of David, b. 1762, d. 1802. 

DUTTON- — .Teremiah Dittton came from East Haddam, Conn., about 1776. 
Had children — Sally, m. Maxwell ; Betsey, m. Van Horn ; Charlotte, m. Eaton ; 
Oliver, m. Hubbard ; Calvin, Cone. 

Oliver, b. 17G0, d. 1843, m. Judith Hubbard. Had children— Lois, b. 1784, d. 
1844; Lorin, b. 1792, d. 1806; Dennis, b. 1799, d. 1850; Asenath, b. 1802, d. 1803; 
Hubbard, b. IbOO. 



102 APPENDIX. 

CLOUGir.— Timothy, had children— Uriah, b. 1757, d. 1832; Jonathan. 

Ukiah, m. Molly Oraette, b. 175y, d. 1837. Had children— Iluldah, b. 1780, m. 
Moffit; Uriah, Jr., b. 1783, d. 1784; Uriah, b 1785; Mordecai, b. 1787, d. 1831; 
Gaius, b. 1789; Mary, b. 1701 ; Lydia, b. 1703; Joseph, b. 1707, d. 1834; Seth, b. 
1700. 

Mordecai, m. Lucy Case. Had children — Mordecai, Jr , b. 1813 ; Roselle, b. 
1815; Sarah, b. 1818; Mary Ann, b, 1820; Ambrose, b. 1822, the only one of the 
name now in Ludlow; Uriah, b. 1821, 

JovATiiAX Clougu, had children — Dan, had childrLMi — Desire, b. 1800; Jonathan, 

b. 1802, d. 1803; Abner, b. 1805; Timothy, m. Lucy . Had children — 

Abif^ail, b. 1702; Susa, b. 1704; Hannah, b. 1797; Olive, b. 1801; Candace, b. 
1801 ; Timothy, b. 1804 ; Jonathan, b. 180U ; Daniel, b. 1808. d. 1810; Daniel, b. 1811. 

John, m. Sarah and Lovisa . Had children — Sarah, b. 170G ; 

Keziah, b. 1798 ; Charlotte, b. 1800 ; Clarissa, b. 1802 ; Lovisa, b. 1804 ; Sophronia, 
b. 1805; Nancy, b. 1811; Ann J., b. 1814; John, b. 181G; Mary, b. 1818, 

PUTNAM. — AnxER, b. Sutton, Mass., March 17, 17G5, m. Abi-jail Waters. Came 
to Ludlow, 1790, d. October 23, 1831. Had children — James, Nathan, Amos. 

James, b. September, 1787, m. Marcia Co.y. 

Natiiax, b. October 8, 1788, m. Mary B. Look. 

Amos, b. October 8, 1788, m. Susan Miller of Ludlow, d. January 31, 1871 ; 
(Nathan and Amos, twins, each lost a limb.) Amos had children — Abigail Waters, 
b. May 10, 1811, m. D. L. Atchinson ; Amos Hurley, b. January 20, 1814, m. Sarah 
Warner; Leonard Miller, b. August 19, 1815, m. Lucy Smith; Susan Alvira, b. 
June 28, 1817, m. Avery Green; Zadoc Porter, b. May 8, 1810, m. Lucia Chapin ; 
Flavius Josephus, b. November 11, 1821, m. Sylvia B. Alden, d. August 18ti4, at 
Andersonville prison ; Sarah Ann, b. June 4, 1824, m. Gordon M. Pisk ; Adaline 
Eliza, b. July 10, 1830, m. Lyman S. Hills. 

JONES.'*— (Thomas, came from Wales. His son was Benjamin, whose son was 
also named Benjamin, the father of) Stephen Jokes, b. in Somcrs, Conn., June 27, 
1750, m. Lucy Cooley, December 22, 1770, came to Ludlow in 1700, bringing six chil- 
dren. One was b. in Ludlow, Lucy, d. July 15, 1808. Stephen m. Mrs. Mary 
Chapin of Springfield, September 27, 1811. She d. July 2G, 1841. He d. January 
2, 1828. 

Stephek and Lccy Jones had children — Stephen, Levi, d. aet. 13 months, Lucy, 
Phebe. 

Levi went to Illinois. Had children — Mary, Susan, Parmelia, Simeon. 

Stephen had children — Hannah, Annie, Amanda, Asenath, Dargo B., Catherine, 
Martha, Stephen Cooley. 

Si.MEON m. Mary Chapin, dau. of his father's second wife. Had children — Han- 
nah, Delia, David C, Henry S., Daniel, Daniel, Eliza, Parmelia, au infant, Sarah, 
Irene, Charles. 



IN MEMORIAM. 193 

CC. (See pages 90, 140.) 

On the occasion of the death of Capt. Hubbard the following lines 
•were penned bj Hon. G. M. Hsk of Palmer : — 

CAPT, HEXRY A. HUBBARD.* 

Comes there a mournful message, 

On wings of lightning sped, 
Thrilling the ear witii sadness, 

Whispering, " He is dead \" 

Brief is the touching stor}', 

How at his country's call, 
Went he forth in his armor, 

To conquer or to fall. 

Bravely his comrades leading, — 
. On to the strife they go. 
Bearing the nation's standard 
To the soil of the foe. 

Over the trackless ocean, 

Rounding the stormy capes, 
Where the hurricane dashes 

The sea in mountain shapes 

Hearing the distant thunder, 

Seeing the murky smoke. 
Knows he the strife of battle 

Rages at Roanoke 1 

Turns on his fevered pillow, 

Starts with commanding word ; 
Calls for his faithful comrades. 

Asks for his trusty sword. 

" Onward all! to the struggle ! 
Charge ! the foe is near ! 
Mount to his frowning ramparts! 
Plant our standard there ! " 

Wandering thus in fancy. 

He leads his comrades on ; 
Crushing the foe before him. 

Until the field is won. 

Hushed is the din of battle. 
Hushed is the cannon's roar ; 

•Died on shipboard, in Pamlico Sound, February 12, 1862, the fourth day after the battle at 
Boauoke Island. 

25 



194 APPENDIX. 

And sleeps the young Commamler, — 
Sleeps to awake no more. 

Homeward they gentl}' bear him, 

Over the foamy track, — 
Anxiously hearts are waiting, 

Waiting the welcome back. 

Sad, oh sad, is the welcome, 

That greets the soldier's bier; 
Voices are hushed in sorrow — 

Rapidly falls the tear. 

Solemn the muffled drum-heat, 

Slow is the measured tread ; 
Bearing the youthful captain, 

To his home with the dead. 

riark ! 'tis the parting volley, 

Firing over his grave ! — 
The last sad act is finished, 

And rests the young and brave. 

" Come to the bridal chamber," 
Bind on the weeper's brow 
Laurel wreaths of the soldier, 
Twined with the willow's bough. 

" Green be the turf above him ; " 
Peaceful his dreamless sleep ; 
Ever in fond remembrance 
His treasured meni'ry keep. 
LuDi>ow, February 23, 1862. 

DD. (See pages 89, 90, 141.) 

From detailed accounts of the life and incidents of the stay in An- 
dersonville, sent by parties who were there, we are permitted to cull 
brief selections : — 

From Jasper Harris of Holyoke : — "The brigade including my 
regiment (16th Connecticut Volunteers) was captured April 23, 1864, 
at Pljnnouth, N. C, and taken en route for Andersonville, where our 
rebel guard told us was a splendid, shady camp, with plenty of new 
barracks for shelter. We arrived at the Andersonville station at dark on 
the evening of Ma}'^ 9. The next morning we were marclied towards 
the stockade, a quarter of a mile away. Just before arriving at the main 
gate we came to a rise of ground from which could be seen the whole 
stockade, and most of the inside of it. I shall never forget the gloomy 
and depressed feeling with which I looked on the horrible sight. The 



THE LUDLOW 3IAETYRS. 195 

high log stockade was composed of straight young pines, cut sixteen 
feet long, hewn on two sides, the bark peeled off, and then the log 
sunk on end in a trench six feet deep, close together, leaving ten feet 
at least above ground on the inside. Cross-pieces were spiked to each 
timber horizontally, making a fence strong enough to hold cattle in- 
stead of men. 

" Eations were issued daily, being drawn into the stockade bj'- a mule 
team, and when divided and sub-divided furnished each man a pint 
and a-half of cob-meal and from two to four ounces of bacon. For a 
few days we received two common-sized sticks of cord-wood to be di- 
vided among ninety men. 

" Grant's campaign had now commenced and soon more prisoners be- 
gan to come in. After a while came the Ludlow boys. The first man 
I met was Sergeant Perry, looking every inch a soldier, and in ex- 
cellent health. The next w^as Flavins Putnam, a new recruit, captured 
in his first battle. I always knew him as being a thoroughly good 
man when I lived in Ludlow, and exceedingly strong and quick in 
farm work, and always cheerful. 

'' If I should attempt to wa-ite a complete description of Andersonville 
and its horrors, of Wirtz, his guards and his bloodhounds, and all the 
sights and incidents which came under my own eye there and at other 
prisons during my eight months' stay, of the murders and robberies 
amongst our own men, of the hanging of six of them by a court of our 
own men, — it would fill the pages of a large book, while a part would 
be descriptive of such monstrous cruelty and so striking to sensitive 
minds that I am afraid it would not be believed if written." 

From an account by James E. Perry of Adrian, Mich: "Just two 
weeks from the time we were captured found us marching into the re- 
nowned Andersonville prison pen. When introduced into that foul 
den of crime, wretchedness and sorrow, our hearts failed us, and we 
made up our minds for the worst, and we would rather have risked our 
chance with the regiment even in those bloody battles of the campaign 
of 1864. One-third of the men who occupied that vast charnel-pen lie 
buried there to-day. 

'■' Willie Washburn died August 21, Daniel Pratt, August 22, Eben- 
ezer Lyon, September 11, Caleb Crowningshield, September 15, Hiram 
Aldrich, the latter part of September, John Coash, during the fall, 
Flavins Putnam, some time in September,' Joseph Miller (not from 
Ludlow), and Albert Collins of Collins' Depot, during the summer. 
Putnam and Coash were admitted to the hosj)ital and died there. I 
think it can be truly said that these men died of starvation, for we 
received nothing tliat a sick man could relish or eat." 



INDEX. 



A. 

PAGE. 

AcKLET, Samuel 20 

Acres, Henry 55 

Action of Town on Centennial, 98 

Address of Welcome 108 

AiNswoRTH, Benjamin 55 

Aldexs, 37 

Aldex's Sash and Blind Shop, 63 

Aldricii, H. W 140, 195 

Andersoxville, 194 

Andros, Governor 5 

AxNiBAL, murder of 58 

Ante-Ludlow, 1 

Antisel, Perez 7 

Armory at Ludlow, 2 

Assessors, 175 

Austin, Rev. D. R 72, 144, 145 



B. 



Baxister, Rev. D. K. . 

" Rev. I). K., address of 
Baptists, 
Barber, Ebenezer 

" Genealogy, 

" Lewis 
Bardwell, Oramel 
Barker, Ichabod , 
Bartlett, Jonathan 
Bear Swamp, 
Beebe, Gideon 
Begort, Cassar 
Bennett, George . 

" Lyman . 
Bier, getting a 
Bliss, Abel, and the tar, 
Booth, Edwin 
" Eliphal 



83 
88 

31,41,48 
7, 126 
190 
77 
29 
130 
20, 22 
16 
. 38 
130 
86 
140 
34 
7 

xvii, 147 
53 



108 



i\i)i:x. 



Boundaries, 
IJowKKK, Noah 
]5oYS ill Blue, 
Bbewer Genealogy, 

" Isaac, Jr. 
Bridgks, 
BiuDGMAN, Rev. Clicster 
BaiGGS, Hon. A. D. 
Brigiiam, L. H. 
Broad Brook, 
Brooks, Edward F. 
Buck 1,1 X, Joseph . 
Burr, B. F. . 

" Genealogy, . 

" Jonatlian 

" Jonatlian & Co 

" Noadifih 
Burroughs, Stephen 
Burt, Keubcn 



Calkins' chair shop, 
Call, Isaiah . 
Camels, The . 
Cedar Swamp, 
Cemkteries, 
Centennial Actual, 

" Afterpiist, 

" Committee, 

" Concert, 

" Il^'mn, 

" Prospective 

" Storm, 

Center of Town, 
CiiAriN, Hon. C. O. 

Hon. Chester W 
" Kev. D. E. 
" Genealogy 
" Col. Harvey 
" Kev. Joel 
" Bev. Nathaniel 

Oliver 
" Bev. Peletiah 
" Shem 
Chapman, Augustus 
" Austin . 

CiiKKKY Valley, . 
CuooLEY, diaries . 
Church, Early places. . 
" Congregation!! 



15, 



37, Gl, 75 



page. 
. 19, CO 

y. 16 

140 

l!S7 

8, 10, 17, 29 

, 85, 86, 138 

82 

l.JO 

84 

37 

89, 140 

64 

98 

190 



1-30 

24, 31 

130 



c. 





63 


32 


. . 62 


. 6, 36, 75, 85 


34, 54, 75, 86 


107 




155 




98, 101 




154 




104 




97 




102, 145 




20, 29 




151 




xiii 




78 




184 




153 


. xii. 


130, 184 




32 




9, 20 




20, 22 




7,126 




140 




69 


. K 


, 35, 92 




IMO 




10 




72 



'f 



IKDEX. 



199 



Church dedications, 
" edifices, . 
" establishiiiont, 
" first, and its pastor, 
" interests at .Tenksville, 
" relations in town, 
" union movement, 

Clapp, Eev. W. A. 

Clark, George 
" George R. . 
" Rev. Laban 
" Rev. Setli . 

Clough, Ambrose . 
" Gains 
" Genealogy, 
" Mordecai . 

CoASH, Jolm . 

CoLTON, Aaron 
Capt. 

Commons, 

cosgregationai.ists, 

Congresses, Provincial 

Continental Mill, 

CooLEY Bridge, 
" Jacob 

Cotton, Edward . 
" Gideon 

" Cow Pasture," . 

Crowell, Rev Joshua 

Crowxingshield, Caleb 

Currier, Daniel D. 

CcsHMAN, Rev. C. L. 

" Rev. C. L. address of 



PAGE. 

52. 74, 78, 81 
19, 30, 74, 78, 81, 85, 134, 136 
40 
132 
70, 79 
83 
44 
72 
59 
98 
32 
31 
97 
55 
192 
55 
140, 195 
, 17, 126, 130 
55 
5, (J 
31, 41 
20 
G8 
02 
9, 22 
130 
55 
17 
44 
140, 195 
140 
82,98 
108 



D. 



Damon, Dexter 
" Peter . 
Daniels, David 
" Nicliolas . 

Rev. W. 11. . 
Davenport, Rev. Mr. . 
Davis, Rev. Samuel 
Dawes, Hon. H. L. 
Deacons, Congregationalist 
Deane, George H. 
Deer Reeves, 
Delegates, . 
Deserters, . 
Distillery, . 
Districts, School . 



xvu 
35 

31,35 
59 
85 
22 

70,71 

154 

172 

83 

7, 17 
3G 
55 
64 
34 



200 INDEX. 

PAGE. 

Dow, Lorenzo 58 

DuTTON, Genealogy ........... 191 

" Oliver 36, 130 

E. 

Eames, Rev. Henry 49 

Early Town meetings, 128 

Eaton's Mill 78 

Ecclesiastical Era, 40 

Epitaphs, 180 

F. 

Facing Hills, 87 

Farnum, Joel 32 

Fast day in 1813, 45 

Fathers, The 138 

Fay and Hancock, 08 

Feats of Strength, 178 

Ferry, Aaron 9, 16 

Financial exhibit of Centennial 157 

Fires, Forest 87 

FiSK, Hon. G. M 81 

Fisk's Woolen Mill, 78 

FiSK, Eev. F 82, 134 

" Gordon M xvi, 193 

" Eev. Wilbur 51, 134 

Fleming, Rev. William 72 

Flint, Capt. 55 

" Fogg us, Doctor," 76 

Fords, 61 

Foster, Rev. Mr 70 

"Friday," Hermit 77 

Frost, Elias 52 

" Samuel 32, 44, 49, 58 

Fuller, Edmund W 86 

Elisha 34, 58, 189 

ElishaA 73 

" Ezekiel 33,44,57,130 

" Genealogy 188 

" Harry 58 

" Hon. Henry 153 

Joshua 8, 16, 22, 24, 25. 38, 126 

" Lothrop 130 

" Eev. Stephen 23 

" Young 189 

'• Zera 52 

Fuller's tavern, 33 

Fulling mill, 63 

Fund, Ministerial 73 



IN"DEX. 201 

G. 

PAGE. 

Gardiner, Lemuel 55 

Gates, Samuel 55 

Glass Works G4 

GooDALE, Jabez 130 

Gove, Rev. Mr 50 

Graduates, 177 

goide-boards, 36 

Gun Works, 68 



II. 



Hall, Kev. William 
Hajipdbn County, 
Harris, Jasper 
Hascall, Rev. David 

" Timothy 
Hawks, Rev. Philo 
Hearse, . 
Hearse-House, 
Hedding, Rev. E. 
HiGHiiiR Brook, 
Highways, 
Hill, Collins . 
Historian of the day, 
Historical address. 
History, town votes a 
Hitchcock, Abner 
" Joseph 

" Josiah 

Hog-Reeves, 
HoLDicii, Rev. Dr. 
" Homestead " notice, 
Hopeful outlook. 
Horse company, . 
Horse-sheds 
Howard, Rev. Bezaleel 

" John 
Hubbard, Elisha . 

" Genealogy 

" John 

" John, Jr., 

" John P. 

" Henry A. 

Titus . 

" Warren 

Hutchinson, Gov. 

" Rev. Mr. 





79 




57 




194 




22 




77 




72 




54 




54 


. 44, 50, 134 


. IG, 92 


3G, 37, 75, 85 


33, 166 


146 


124 


158 


. 8, 20, 123 


9, 16, 22, 130 


8 




17 




78 




157 




142 




55 




54 




26 




55 




26,35 




189 




9, 20 




16 




. 98, 100 




140, 193 




179 




55 




12 




22 



26 



202 



IXDEX. 



I. 

PAGE. 

Incitements, 93 

IXCOKPORATION, act of 13 

LvDiAN Leap, 2, 8G, 138, 1&9 

" Orcliard, 77 

" Roaring Tliunder, 2 

Indians, Facing Hills tragedy, 3 

" purchase from 4 

" resorts of 2, 159, IGO 

" retreat of 2, 138 

Inventions, 08 

Itinekants, early 51 



Jenks, Benjamin . 
" Washington 
Jenksville, M. E. Church 

" operatives, 

Jennings, Heriah . 
" John 

" Joseph , 

Joceltn, Kev. A. . 
Johns, Kev. Mr. . 
Johnson, John 
Jones, Genealogy . 
" Joseph 
" Stephen 



26, 



53, G4, 136 
64 
84 
69 
9,16 
32, 33, 36, 38 
130 
49 
47 
130 
1112 
10, 20 
44,53 



K. 

Kendall, Chester 55 

Genealogy 189 

" Jacob 16 

James 8, 16, 20, 29, 30, 126 

" Selah 55 

Kevks, Timothy 26, 29, 04 

King, Samuel 87 

L. 

Lahor and its rewards, 141 

" value in 1841, 57 

Lamboed, Kev. B. F 50 

Landon, Kev. G 85 

Lathrop, Kev. J 26 

Lee, Kev. Mr 85 

Leonard, Hon. N. T 152 

Letter, an old 166 

" an old church .......... 166 



INDEX. 



203 



PAGE. 

Literary address, 112 

Log cabins, 57 

Lombard, bear story 38 

David 130 

Jonathan 8, 17, 126, 130 

LojfGEviTV of inhabitants, 86 

Ludlow and Hampden, 18 

" Center post-office, 87 

" city, 35 

" Edmund 18,120 

" England 17, 103 

" in the 18th century, 12 

" manufacturing company (1st.), 83 

" manufacturing company (2d), 84 

" mills company, 84 

" New Brunswick 17 

" of to-day, SO 

" Roger 18 

" Vermont 17 

Lymax, Rev. T 85 

Lyon, David 1G7 

" Ebenezer 89, 140, 105 

" Gad 27, 167 

" Genealogy 191 

Lyons, 37 



M. 



Manufacturing, changes by 

" first 

Masonic, 

Mayo, Rev. "Warren 
McDuFFEE, Rev. S. V, 
McFarland, Charles 
McKiNSTRY, Rev. J. 
McLean, Rev. A. . 

" F. F. 
McLean's mill. 
Meeting House, 1st, 
Meetings, first town, 

" prelim, district 

Methodism at Jenksville, 
" beginnings of 

" second efibrt 

JVIethodist church, 
Methodist ears of corn, 
" itinerants, . 

" legal society, 

Mexican war. 
Militia, 
Miller, Dr. A. J. . 



46 



50, 5 



8, 59 



71, 

1*5, 
70 



50, 71 
xii, 130, 



66 
63 
76 
82 
82 

140 
26 

134 
98 
38 

130 

, 17 
10 
85 
31 
49 

134 
58 
41 

, 73 
77 

1G9 

185 



201 



INDEX. 



Miller brothers, . 

" Cliarles L. 

" Corner 

" Daniel 

" Genealogy 

" Georpe 

" Col. John . 

" Joseph, 1st 

'• Joseph '2d 

" Leonard 

" Rev. Simeon 

" Sylvester . 

" William 

" Dr. W. B. 

MlLLERlSM, , 

Miller's barn burned, 
" child hurt, 
" child's shoe, 

MiNEACIIOGUE, 

Ministers, Congregational 
" Jenksville 

M. E. . 
Moderators,* 
Moody, Eev. Eli . 

" John . 

" Sylvester . 
Mortuary record, 
Mddge, Kev. Z. A. 
MuNGER, Erastus . 



Name, theories of . 

Nash, Francis 
" Joel, mill 
" Julius . ' . 
" Dr. Sylvester 

Newell, Mary B. . 

Nick and Tarzy 

Noox, Kev. A. 



20. ] 



0,9, 



N. 



PAGE. 

187 
6, 3.5, oG 
. 55, 7.3 
185 
130 
85, ItiO 
6, 3G, 38, 12G 
. 52, 130 
1.30 
xvii, 81, 147 
55 
178 
52, 147 
72 
34 
84 
39 

16, 17, 37, 77 

171 

172 

171 

173 

47 

53 

G4 

75 

78 

55 



17, 18, 163, 1G4 
55 
38 
65 
29 
146 
59 
98. 100 



o. 

Oakley, ballad 169 

Olds, Samuel 33 

" Thirza, 59 

Orcutt, David 49 

Organization, petition for 11 

" and struggles, . 127 

OsTRANDEK, TJev. Daniel .......... ."2 

Outward, Commons 17, IGl 



INDEX. 



205 



Paine and Wright 
" David, 
" Jedediah 
" Jonatlian 
" Pai.mek Journal" notice, 
Parish, 1st Congregational 
Parsons, Adin 

Elisha T. 
" Ezra 
" Reuben . 
" Robert 
Pease, H. M. 
" Levi . 
" Simeon 
" Rev. William 
Perry, James E. 
Petition for celebration 
Phelps, Rev. Abner 

PlIYSICIAXS, . 

Pickering, Rev. G. 
Pierce, Zebinus 
Plan of work, 
Plumlet, Elijah 
Plumlet's saw-mill. 
Poem at Centennial, 
Pond, Mineachogue 

" Wood's 
Postmaster's, 
Potash, Fuller's 
Potatoes, value of 
Potts, A. 0. 
Pounds, . 
Pratt, Daniel 

" TjTUS 

Priest, Rev. Zadoc 
Programme of Centennial, 
Prominent men, . 
Prospects of town, 
Provisions at Centennial 
Putnam, Abner 

" Flavius A. 

" Genealogy 
Putt's bridge, 



31 



89, 



page. 
32, 1G5 
58. 130 

32, 1G.5 

34 

].JC) 
73 
f)5 
73 
9, 17 
55 

140 

140 
G4 
54 
44 

195 
97 
43 

177 

31 

C5 

xviii 

179 
78 

147 
86 
52 

177 

63 

57 

89, 140 

36 

140, 195 

33, 1.30 

32 

98, 103 

92 

06 

100 

64 

140, 195 

192 

57,62 



O. 



QuARTERLV meeting. 



49 



206 



INDEX. 



R. 



Ratner, Rev.. Menzies . 
Rebellion record, 
Rkd Bridge, . 
Repairing old church, . 
Representatives, 
" Republican, Springfield " 
Responsive address, 
Revivals, 

Revolutionary war. 
Riddle, a . . . 
Roberts, Rev. Geo. 
Robinson, Hon. G. D. . 
Rogers, Rev. C. D. 
Rood, Asaliel . 

" Joseph . 

" Zephaniah . 
Root, Amos . . 

" Genealogy . 

" Hezekiah 



Sampson, Rev. Mr. 
Sanderson, Rev. A. 
School committees, 
School-houses, 

" matters, 
Schools, singing 

" support of 
ScRANTON, John 

" Samuel . 

Selectmen, . 
Settlement of town, 
SiiATTUCK, Veranus 
Shay's rebellion, . 
Sheldon, James . 
Shell for dinner hour, 
Shelter Rock, 
Sherman, Rev. D. 
Shingle swamp, . 
Sickness of 1814, . 
SiKES, Abncr 

" Benjamin 

" Benjamin, 2d, 

" Edward 

" Genealogy . 

" Increase 

" John . 

" Reuben 



notice 



s. 



PAGE. 

32 
87 
75 
53 
13, 3G, 17G 

155 

112 
40, 70, 82, 85 
13, 21, 129 

107 
31 

153 
72 
55 
77 
35 
55 

190 
03 



50 

74 

176 

35 

56 

35, 57 

34 

31 

30, 130 

174 

127 

65, 76 

33 

7, 126 

39 

10 

78 

16 

46 

16, 20 

38, 126 

56 

86 

184 

75 

8, 16, 26, 29 
179 



7, 34 



INDEX. 



207 



SiKES, Theodore . 
Slater, Samuel 
Slave, a 
Slow progress. 
Small pox scare, . 
Smith, Rev. Lemuel 
" Martin 
" Stephen H. 
" Stukely 
Snell, Rev. Mr. 
Soldiers in rebellion, 
" in revolution, 
in 1812, 
Soldiers' monument. 
Source of civil institutions, 
SrRiNGFiELD, Atliol and North-Eastern railr 
" manufacturing company, 

" original bounds, 

" water works. 

Squires, Ezekiel . 
Stearns, Hon. G. M. 
Steebins, Mayor J. M. 

S. B. . 
Steward, Rev. A. 
Stone, Rev. William 
Stony Hill, . 
Storm, a thunder , 
Storrs, Rev. R. S. 
Sub-committees of Centennial 



oad. 



14 



, 2G, 



27, 28; 



,31 

2, 17 



PAGE. 

xiii, 73 

64 

7 

126 

58 

32 

55 

04 

65 

23 

90 

130 

55 

87 

40 

86 

65, 67, 79 

4 

91 

9, 17 

152 

150 

xvii 

42, 123 



23 

19, 127 
77 
26 
99 



T. 

Talbot, Governor 145 

Tax collecting, 38, 168 

Temperance record, 87 

Temple, Thomas 130 

Thornton's Mill, ' 03 

TiiuRBER, Rev. Laban 43 

Toasts at Centennial, 145 

Tolland circuit, 32 

" Tolland county press " notice, 157 

Town clerks, 173 

Town-House, 87 

Town instead of district, 39 

" meetings, places for 30 

" officers, 16, 17, 38, 178 

" unity, ]U 

Town, who constitute a 1 

Tuck, Rev. J. W 75, 146 

Rev. J. W., address of 124 

Tucker, Rev. T. W 50 



208 



INDEX. 



PaOE. 

Undkuwood, Rev. Mr 82 

Union cliurcli at Jenksville, . 85 

" Union," Springfield, notice, 166 

V. 

Vice Presidents at Centennial, 107 

Village opportunities, 84, 136 



w. 



Wallamanumps, . 
Waknek, Zechariah 

" Zechariah, Jr., 
Warning out, 
War of 1812, . 
Wauriner, Isaac 
" Israel 

Washburn, W. W 
Wesletan praying band 
Western railroad, 
White, Rev. L. 

" Rev. L. address 
Wilder, Moses 
Wilkinson, George 
Willard, Rev. Joseph 
WiLLEY, Benajah 

" Joel 
Williams, Rev. N. 

WiNSOR, R. H. 

Wolves, 

Wood and Merritt, 
Wood, Charles F. . 
" Gordon B. . 
" Harvey 
Woodward, Rev. Aaron 
Wright, Abel 

" Cyprian . 

Rev. E. B. 

" murder, . 



1, 3.3, 37, 56, 61, (\i, 78,137 
9 
9 
36 
54 
17 
0, 17, 26, 35 
140, 195 
83 
85 
1-J6 
140 
29, 130 
64 
26 
8, 16 
8, 16 
26 
84 
38 
79, 83 
55 
55 
55 
23 
44 
130 

47,48,72, 7.3,74,86, 147 
77 



z. 



Zenith of century, 



66 



LITDLOAV. 



1 juiiiitni^f^ 



'J^sl ^ 



AND 



A CENTENNIAL. 




f LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.? 



(^/le,/, 



u- 



.// 



:; z ? 



» UMTED .STATliS UK AiMBUICA. J 



^1 




•n^^ 



* D - 4. 6. 



'•f 



^^^ U ,^ ¥• "^ c;^ ^^^^A-; ^ ^ *;i 









<y . o • o ^ "^ 










5^ Z^-^''" -^ ^ ^N 









• * O j/* " " * -^^ 



O 









. >■ ' • 



^Ao^ 







^°-^^ 



/.■ 



V 






/k^ 



o 



\^ .. -^ "'"' f° V. *•-• ^^^ 






•» \ 






"^ ' 











•6 "ci 






^-. A^ 




v^^ 



%.<^ 



A' 



ST. AUGUSTINE !y 









